taking in a problematic 14 year old neice

I've just rec'd a call asking for help from my neice's father in North Carolina. I reside in Mass. Apparently, mother and daughter relationship has been very explosive and daughter turns very rebellious and starts to seek attention elsewhere. She no longer wants to live at home. I agree to take her in and will try to help her in any way that I can. Should I seek legal guardianship for the purpose of health insurance and handling her affairs? Could I seek temporarily guardianship and turn her back to her parents if things don't work out? I'm not quite sure how to go about this process.

For specifics regarding guardianship and whether or not you can turn your niece over to her parents if things don't work out you will want to speak to an attorney as laws vary from state to state.

It is probably a smart idea to become her legal guardian so you can handle health care matters, school matters etc. Otherwise it may become difficult to get things done.