I want to take custody of my sister who is living in an abusive environment and want to know if you have to either be 18 or 21 to be able to get the custody.
2007-01-14 19:48:10 · 11 answers · asked by mely 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
You need to be at least 18, be able to prove that you can support her and yourself. Be able to prove that you can meet her social, psychological and physical needs in a mature and healthy manner.
You have to go to court, unless the people, parents or gardians will just turn her over to you. Even then you are best getting custody through the courts, because without legal custody they could take her back and there'd be nothing you could do and also, you'd not be able to put her on your medical insurance if you have it or sign for medical care when and if she needed it.
If you turn whomever she is living with now in for abuse, you will have to petition the courts for temporary custody, at which time they'll investigate you to see if you can provide for her, then they will allow her to live with you if they feel you can provide for her appropriately, if she wants to live with you and you do well during a trial test period. You'll have to have good charactor witnesses.
It's not going to be easy even if you win custody, if she's been living in an abusive environment, you'll most likely find she'll test you to the limits. I hope not, but most often that does occur. Make sure you have a lot of supportive people willing to help out if you need it and make sure you have a trusted older woman for her to talk to about things she may not want to talk to you about at different times.
I hope you are able to help your sister out and provide her a loving and nurturing home.
If you can't get custody of her and you know she is being harmed, you need to call child welfare anyway and have her removed from the home.
You really need and attorney to help you gain custody. If you can't afford one, at least go talk to someone at your local legal aid office and they can advice you how best to gain custody of her and if in your case they think it's possible.
GOOD LUCK to you and your sister.
2007-01-14 20:05:36 · answer #1 · answered by Mountain Bear 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
haha,,,,you are getting a lot of conflicting answers on here...and I think what they all are trying to say is that it depends on which state you live in. Each state is different. You can contact your local Department of Social Services and they can let you know what those laws are exactly....or a family attorney will also be able to help you with this. Good luck, I hope you can figure something out for your sister.
2007-01-15 04:58:32 · answer #2 · answered by Dayout6 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon the country you live in. In the U.S.A. the age is 18 in all states. But you have to prove to a court that you have the means to care for your sister - not just financial either. Get a lawyer fast - for your sisters sake and get her out of where she is being abused. God bless you, both.
2007-01-15 03:57:48 · answer #3 · answered by scottyusa1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to check your state for the age limit. Pennsylvania is 18 with restrictions (like having a job, place to live...) I hope you are able to do something for your sister...while your checking it out, see if social services can help you do something now.
2007-01-15 03:53:27 · answer #4 · answered by redy2screm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should be at least 21 or older taking care of a child is hard work, so just make sure you are ready to do this!
2007-01-15 04:26:19 · answer #5 · answered by NoLongerInUseSoByee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would definately try to contact a lawyer for that one...if you are able to provide a home for her where she will be taken care of and get an education then prove that to the courts and see what happens...just get her out of there...get someone involved that can help
2007-01-15 03:51:28 · answer #6 · answered by michele m 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
21 but you have to have a steady job and a good living conditions. Good luck.
2007-01-15 03:53:06 · answer #7 · answered by Kam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
17 you only have to be able to prove the situation and be able to prove you can support another person
2007-01-15 03:51:40 · answer #8 · answered by jingles 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on the state you live, and if you make enough to support yourself and her. call children's services and talk with them you don't have to give your name..
2007-01-15 04:07:48 · answer #9 · answered by Kathy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that would depend on what state you live in.
2007-01-15 03:52:12 · answer #10 · answered by PaxVobiscum 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋