My question is legally can my sister live with me? I am 24 years old, I am a Director of Marketing for a Catering Co, I live in Baltimore Md. My sister is 16 years old, and lives in Texas with my Mom and her step dad. My dad and grandparents live in Mississippi. Will I was talking to my sister and she wants to come and live with me. The reason is because of her stepdad, and stuff going on at home. I told her I want to go to the authorities and handle matters that way. But, she doesnt want me to. So, I am going to respect that. I asked my grandmom if my sister could come live with her (she said she couldnt live w/my dad which is possibly best). I dont think she will get along with my grandmother because my grandmother just thinks she is manipulative and a liar.
So, I want to her to be where she is loved. I know I dont have kids and it is a big responsibility, and i haven't seen her in about 6 years because of my mother but.
Anyways legally can she live with me?
2007-12-11 01:53:31 · 4 answers · asked by sarahglian 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I would say it is unsafe, because she is be harmed by her stepfather (she is being molestated). Which, is why I want to go to the authorities. I am not going into this lightly think oh what a fun time this will be. I realize that it cost money to raise a kid, they have to go to school, and that there are rules. I also realize that it will cut into alot of me time because I will be responsible for taking her to and from places. I have asked her in many different ways if she is sure about what she is doing, and if she knows what she is getting herself into, and that if she leaves that she may never talk to her mother again, and that there will be a change of lifestyle, and that I have the rules.
Its just so hard, because I dont know if my mom will just sign over custody. In fact I highly doubt that she will. My mom doesnt get child support. Nor, do I expect her to pay me any.
I make a a good income. My husband and I make around 200k. So financially I am ok.
2007-12-11 02:19:52 · update #1
Im not just going to steal her away.
I am not going into this ill prepared either. I am going to have my ducks in a row before I do anything. I just have never had to go through any of this I will have papers drawn up, ect before I even go down there.
2007-12-11 03:19:46 · update #2
I believe for legal purposes you would have to get temporary custody from your parents. So if you had to do things like enroll her in school or take her to the doctor ect. you would be legally allowed to do so. Its a big responsibility to handle and because you haven't seen her in six years she might have changed more than you know. You say your grandmother thinks she is manipulative and a liar , are you prepared for that to be so. I would leave her where she is at. Unless she isn't safe due to molestation or abuse I would tell her she needs to stay there. Your heart is in the right place though. In two years she will be able to make her own decisions and move out on her own. Maybe you could just help her plan to move out then.
2007-12-11 02:02:41 · answer #1 · answered by smile4u 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mrs. WC here.
You have to be sure she isn't manipulating you. I'd check the validity of anything she's told you. If she's being abused, then she needs to go to the authorities. You don't need her moving in with you and creating havoc in your life. It sounds like you have it together, but a troubled teen could wind up costing you more than you're willing to pay (not just monetarily).
From a legal standpoint in some states (Texas is one of them), I believe 15 is the legal age a child can run away from home without the authorities intervening. It may be different in Md and your mother may be able to get help from them to return your sister to Texas. I'd check with the law enforcement agency where you live.
2007-12-11 02:10:30 · answer #2 · answered by william c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If her guardian says it's alright for her to live with you, then yes it is legal. If you want to become her guardian, then contact a family law attorney in your state and see what needs to be done. Also raising a kid costs money. If your mom is getting child support for your sister, then that money will need to come to you for the benefit of your sister. So you will need to have that taken care of leagally so you can make sure you are getting the funds. You may even be able to collect support from both of the parents if you are the legal guardian. Verbal agreements about money for a minor child cannot be enforced if they decide to not pay you.
Make sure your sister understands, that since she's living with you and she's a minor and you are the adult who will be responsible for her, that this is going to be more like a parent/child relationship and not a "oh wheeee this if funtime, we're roommates"
2007-12-11 02:01:03 · answer #3 · answered by Invisigoth 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ya she can but what if your mom, file a complain against you then you be in trouble & may go to jail for it
ask your step-dad & mom first if its ok with them then go ahead
2007-12-11 02:15:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋