Can you get custody of your younger sibling?

Answer 1

YES!!! The court has to be satisfied that the parents are in fact unstable, and that you can provide adequate care for the sibling. Maybe. There are two options available for petitioning a court for the custody of any minor regardless of the relationship. First, notifying the state's department offamily and children's services and request an investigation into the circumstances of the parental home environment. If DFS/CPS finds the complaint valid a date for a court hearing will be set and the parents and all interested parties will be allowed to present their evidence and prove their case. If the outcome is the minor child/children are to be removed from the home for their well-being, the court will appoint a guardian, this is generally a family member whom the court deems acceptable. The second option is for the adult sibling to file a petition requesting to be appointed the guardian of the minor child/children. The person filing the petition will be required to pay all filing and court fees and all applicable legal costs. Any person who can show "just cause" such as parents, grandparents, counselors and so forth why the person applying for guardianship should or should not be granted the request will be notified by the court and be allowed to testify. Be advised that in most states legal representation will be required for the person filing for guardianship. The best option is for the interested party to obtain legal advice on the validity of the action they are wishing to pursue.

Answer 2

It's certainly possible. You should talk to a lawyer. You'll need to go to court to prove that your mother is unfit as a parent (this is not likely to go over well, so be pretty sure you really want to do this first).

Family courts tend to like to place children with relatives where possible, so once the court decides your mother is unfit, if you can provide for your sister and are willing to do so, you're probably a slam-dunk to be named her guardian unless "her father" (I'm assuming this means your sister's father) protests.

Answer 3

If you are 18, then yes. You would have to go to court. Not only would you need to prove that you would be an acceptable guardian (you would need to have financial and emotional stability), but you would also need to show that the younger sibling needs your help. If s/he isn't already in the foster care system, you would have to prove that the child's current parents/guardians are unacceptable.

Answer 4

Yes, within limitations set by the courts.

Answer 5

I believe you can if your 18 years of age