My niece and nephew are currently living with my brother. Their mother left them with him over 4 years ago with not so much as a phone call since. My brother has since gone to court and had her rights terminated. She did nothing to contest this. My brother's physical and mental health is failing and he is lashing out at his children. They are not being physically abused, but are being neglected and emotionally abused. Their house is in a horrible condition according to my Mother. I live in a different state due to my husband's active duty military status. I asked my Brother if the kids could come live with me for a while until he can get back on his feet. He firmly told me "no". My Mom is the primary babysitter when my brother cannot care for his kids due to work or health issues. She is almost 70 years old and my Dad is almost 75. The kids are 7 and 8 and are too much for my parents to handle for long periods such as during summer break. Given these circumstances, what do you think the chances are of my husband and I getting custody of these 2 kids? I highly suspect my brother is at least Manic-Depressive if not suffering from other mental disorders. His 27 year old son suffers from Schizophenia. My Mom feels it is dire that these kids are removed from my brother's care before it's too late. I'd appreciate any help or advice you can give me on this matter.

Well it is possible for you to get custody, since seeing your brother is not in good health, it would be too your advantage if this gets draged into court, The children are at a age where they can say where they want to stay, so if your brother is not treating them well, Im sure they will choose you, what you need to do is speak to a social worker and a lawyer, the lawyer can arrange for the kids to be removed and sent to you, that's only if the social worker feels that your brother is not fit too take care of them on his own, You brother will still have the rights over the children, he just won't have custody of them. I hope this may help you!:cool: