I'm not actually involved, but am asking for my boyfriend.

He has partial custody of his 6 year old daughter, he gets her summers and school breaks. His daughter lives in Utah the rest of the time with her mom.

Her mom was supposed to pick her up this weekend, but her apartment and all possessions were lost in a fire a few days ago. Her first reaction to that was to quit her job. She is in michigan now and they were supposed to meet today, but haven't heard from her at all except to say she was having car trouble. She won't even tell him what her plans are for living or where she plans to take their daughter.

He wants to file for custody until she gets back on her feet. We have a stable home, jobs, clothes, transportation, etc. While her mom has none of those.

He talked to an attorney this morning and was told he has a legal right to keep her because of the situation, but can't really afford to hire one to file for him. The original order was made in Michigan. He's going to file on monday, does anyone know exactly what he needs to do, what papers he needs, or have any other advice?