Explore the Deportation Preparation Manual by topic, tool, or chapter to find exactly what you need – plan for child custody, protect your finances, set up a ‘power of attorney,’ and more.
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In the face of deportation, you may face very important decisions about taking care of your kids. Learn what child “custody” and “guardianship” mean, who can seek them, how courts decide, and what steps you can take before, during, and after detention or deportation to keep your family together.
Learn the key words and ideas to help you understand how child custody and guardianship work.
Find out who can ask for custody or guardianship of your child and what judges will consider in making their decisions.
Take steps in advance to make sure your child has a trusted person to care for them if you’re detained or deported.
Discover ways to stay involved in your child’s life and decisions while you’re in detention.
Explore practical choices for your family if you must leave the country.
Understand common challenges immigrant parents encounter in custody cases and how to prepare.
Many immigrant parents hold money, property, or other assets for a U.S. citizen child so the child can keep them safely under U.S. law. If you have savings or property in your name that you want your child to have if you’re deported, this section explains how to protect it. Learn about your options for naming a trusted person to manage these assets, how to plan ahead, and what laws may affect your child’s benefits.
Use this checklist to make sure your child’s money, property, and benefits stay protected if you must leave.
See how deportation can affect what your child owns and learn steps to keep their money or property safe.