Odd Situation...

I have a friend of over ten years. Four years ago, she had a son with a man to whom she was not married. Paternity has been established, a CS order is in place.

Cumulatively, for the majority of this child's four years, he or he and his mother (my friend) have lived in my home. Mom and child both moved out about eight months ago; the child returned one month later.

Both parents are in favor of granting me legal guardianship, but I don't even know where to start. I have a friend who has custody of her niece's son, and there is a "Power of Attorney" form filed with the courts giving her what I think are basic guardianship rights, but I don't know if this is the same or not as official "Legal Guardianship." She gave me a copy of her paperwork to modify with our names and whatnot. But again, I don't know if this differs from legal guardianship, per se, which we are seeking.

I would like to accomplish this task without having to hire an attorney, but I am not finding proper forms, or IF there are forms that need to be completed. I've scoured the internet for information or at least a basic checklist or direction, a jumping off point, but there is almost nothing listed for Texas that doesn't involve an aged person instead of a child. There is a website for CA with forms and whatnot, but that doesn't help me here in Texas.

Any ideas? Links? Forms? Advice?