By capturing the child. Face it, they won't stay captured for long.
You file an emergency child in need of care and custody in court. See link to learn how.
If no custody orders exist, a motion for temporary custody can be made while in possession of the child. An emergency motion for custody can be filed with evidence of immediate danger to the child.
The sister must make an appeal to the courts to gain custody of her brother. The judge will weigh the reasons each guardian believes she should have custody of the child and then make a decision in the best interest of the child.
I assume that the "ex-boyfriend" is also the father of the child. If you believe that he lied to gain custody, you can file a motion/petition for a custody re-hearing and be prepared to demonstrate that he lied, and that you are a 'fit' mother to have custody of the child.
In fact you can, if the sim you want to gain custody is related to the person who has lost the child they may gain custody of the child and will move in with them. I'm not sure if it automatic or if it is ocassional but you can definetly get custody.
Yes
The question raises more questions than it asks. What is the child's age? Who or what did they run away from? Is there a custody order in effect? If the child's custody was the subject of a court order granting custody to the mother rather than you, then, yes, you could be acting unlawfully. You could be facing civil contempt of court charges, and possible criminal charges for harboring a runaway. Acting in such a manner would jeapordize any effort you might wish to make to gain custody (or visitation) of the child. Better that you should petition the court which awarded custody to reconsider the action and be able to base the peitiion on factual grounds that might convince the judge to reconsider thier decision.
yes
Depends on circumstances. A single mother has a presumption of sole custody at the time of the birth of the child. Where married parents are separated, there is a presumption of joint physical custody whether or not support is ordered.
Child In Need of Care Motion
A child does not need to be abandoned by their mother for a father to be awarded full custody. If the father can demonstrate before a judge that the mother is unfit to parent, the judge can award him full custody of the child.
You have to prove your case and convince the court.