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My mother is suicidal, and has been for a long time. She is a Maniac Depressant, with Anxiety and ADD. She is on a list of medicines as long as my arm. She just tried to commit suicide again, this is the 2nd time this month. My sister is 10 and my mother has sole custody. Her father is an alcholic and a drug addict, he lives in another state. I want custody of my sister, but I don't have a lot of money. I live near her school, have a steady job, don't drink or do drugs. I rent a two bedroom duplex, so she would have her own room. I make enough money to support her and I, plus my mother gets Social Security Disability, so my sister collects a small check that would go toward taking care of her.

What are my rights? And would this be a very expensive undertaking? I have to know, she can't stay in the environment anylonger. My mother is a good mom, when she isn't trying to kill herself, but I believe that my sister needs a stabile home, and security.

Advise me please.

2006-12-31 05:50:08 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships Family

9 answers

I have been there I have had custody of my baby brother since he was 2 days old (he will be 17 in june)
My experience : I was 19 and legal aid paid for the whole thing I had to deal with a social worker coming to visit for almost a year and had to take parenting classes but again I was just 19 I had temp custody of him all along he was born in June of '90 I got to be his official legal guardian in April of '91 it wouldn't have taken so long but the biological father was a drunk and refused to accept the papers showing I filed for custody if he had been a man about it it would have been over and done in six months.
My little brother had a lawyer appointed by the court I had mine the whole thing took about 45 minutes from start to finish.


I would do it all over again without a thought.

2006-12-31 13:29:11 · answer #1 · answered by bkm_71csi 3 · 0 0

I would approach a free legal centre, not sure where you are from but here in Australia, you would go to a community centre which can give you details on how you would go about making an Application for custody and you can go from there. Of course, the Application would be a lot easier and less costly if your mother agreed to allow your sister to stay with you, it would avoid court costs and significantly cut down legal fees.

First thing I would do is try approaching your mother to see whether she is agreeable to your sister staying with you. Go over the situation with her, explain how you think it is best for your sister, do be confrontational, just go over things with her and see if you are able to make her see that it is for the best. If not, then your only other option is to pursue the legal avenues.

2006-12-31 23:23:18 · answer #2 · answered by OziGirl_222 4 · 0 0

Get a lawyer. You have a good chance of getting custody. Look for legal assistance in the phone book or call a lawyer and just ask how much it will cost. Don't let the cost keep you from doing this. This is a complicated situation. You definitely need a lawyer.

2006-12-31 13:59:17 · answer #3 · answered by Kathy M 2 · 0 0

The law about these things vary from state to state. Since your mother has attempted suicide, then Family Services or its equal should have been involved - if not, contact them and report the whole circumstance. Also start with the School Counselor, sometimes they are involved in similiar experiences. Also contact an attorney, see if Legal Aid is available in your area.

The Courts will have to be involved to pernamently remove the minor child from the home.

2006-12-31 13:56:08 · answer #4 · answered by jack w 6 · 0 0

Talk to the local legal aid, they might be able to refer you to a cheap attorney, or handle it themselves.
Petition the court for custody. With your mothers mental history, I think you would have a very good chance to get your sister.
Good luck, and a pat on the back for being a very caring older sister.

2006-12-31 22:33:25 · answer #5 · answered by joy q 2 · 0 0

You would have to go to the courthouse and file for custody. I don't believe you would have to pay for anything. You just file a judgement for custody. You have all the reasons you need, as long as you know what your getting into. Its not easy raising a child. Where and who will be watching her while your working? Stuff like that.

2006-12-31 13:54:41 · answer #6 · answered by HDGranny 4 · 0 0

Find a good family lawyer that will take payments or contact your local legal services org. they may help for free or reduced rates. Regardless, something must be before that little girl ends up in foster care. She really needs you big sis.

2006-12-31 13:53:41 · answer #7 · answered by georgiabanksmartin 4 · 0 0

ye id say your chances of custody are likely with her mother and father being the way they are !! good luck!!!!!

2006-12-31 13:52:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

it sounds like your mother needs to be institutionalized for her own protection.. then custody will be yours by default so you shouldn't need a lawyer..

2007-01-01 11:14:00 · answer #9 · answered by Byakuya 7 · 0 0

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