I'm writing a story, and I want to know about the process of getting put with someone else after a parent dies. Circumatances are: 16 years old, only child, both parents deceased, other relatives live out of state and haven't been contacted in over ten years, child wants to go and live with friend whose parents are willing to take her in. Would this be allowed, or would the other relatives have to say they wouldn't want the girl first? And if they wouldn't want her to be living with them, would she be placed in an orphanage? Recently deceased parent never wrote out a will concerning where she would go if the parent were to ever pass away. And, if she would be allowed to go and live with the friend and their parents, what would the process be for them to have the custody over her? This is quite an important part in my story and I want to get it right, so please help.
Answers & Comments
In a case with both parents dead,the court would decide who she will stay with. If she workes full time and has a apartment and paying her bills and saving some money the court may emanapate her making her a adult in the eyes of the law.Or she could be made a ward of the court,and the state
will place her a foster home till she is 18,Any relative could ask the girl to come live with them.It
depends on the state she lives in as all state laws are not the same .
A judge would appoint a guardian who would make arrangements for the care and support of the minor child.