I Want To Become My Sister’s Guardian, But I Don’t Know How.

Location: Iowa

Hey everyone! I’m lowkey stressed out rn, so any help is greatly appreciated.

So a little backstory here- a few years ago, my sister (she’s 16 as of 2026) moved into a distant relative’s home after my mom willingly transferred rights. They are her legal guardians at the moment. These relatives have been having some behavioral issues with her, nothing major, but Ive been hearing rumors that they are considering giving her back to the state. I know she wants to live with me badly, and previously me and my husband have strongly considered it, but we know that they would never give her to us willingly. We see this as kind of an opportunity to get our foot in the door.

Me and my husband (I’m 20, he’s 22) have stable jobs, no criminal records, and no drugs or alcohol etc. We are in a transition phase right now, living with his parents, then he is joining the army in April, and then I will move with him to California in August (but I would stay here until then.). His parents are lovely, no issues that would make the house unsafe in the least. It’s a very stable and loving home. There is also plenty of space for her here.

I know if she was asked where she wants to live, she would say with us.

Since she is so close to being an adult, if she tells a court that she wants to move here will they let her even without her guardian’s permission? Or do they HAVE to allow it? Would hiring a lawyer help me? Will they let her stay here even though his parents live with us? Will they let her move to California with us if we are her guardians? If so, how complicated of a process is that? If she goes into foster care first, would they let her move in even though we’re not certified foster parents? I have so many questions i don’t even know where to start.

I know this is somewhat confusing, so I thank anyone who can help! Thank you ????