Can he get custody

Okay so here’s the deal, the guy I’ve been dating lost his children. Now before you jump on me about dating someone who doesn’t have custody of his children let me explain why first, his children’s mother passed away unexpectedly which he fell depressed then he ended up really sick, he was admitted to the hospital for months, he lost his job, his house and of course his children. When he came out of the hospital, he came out to a dead partner, no income, the loss of his house and belongings, his license was revoked due to seizures & let’s just say he felt pretty defeated to say the least. I mean, who wouldn’t be? His children ended up going with their aunt and he started to get his shit sorted, finding a stable job, housing, getting his health back on track... his children obviously went through massive life changes and a lot of them all at once, I mean their mom died, dad fell ill, they lost their home and now living with their aunt, it’s a lot for anyone to handle especially the children! He sees them all the time, calls them every day as covid restricted his visitation for a while, he has always paid the aunt money for their cost of living and he just felt like uplifting them again would be to much. He’s a really great guy, kind and caring! He loves his babies so much, his eyes light up when he talks about them but here’s the deal, the aunt just informed him that they’re moving across the country and he’s devastated! I asked him why he isn’t fighting for his kids to be back in his care and I guess him and his mom talked to a lawyer and the lawyer said legally they can’t do anything. How is this possible!? I don’t think they should be taken from the aunt but to move across the country where he won’t be able to see them is a bit much to me?