I'm 18 and in college in Norfolk, Virginia. I have 2 biological sisters and 5 half siblings. My step dad is very abusive and lately my mom has been very ill and has been instructing me in what to do if something bad happens to her, as in how to use her food stamp card, WIC, child support, etc. If something bad were to happen to my mom I would more than likely be left alone with all the kids because my step dad would leave and if he didn't leave he would take the kids with him (his 3) and I am scared to death of that; he threatens and mistreats them all the time. My other siblings have somewhere to go because there father is a really nice and caring man, and my biological sisters would just follow me wherever I go or go to live with our godparents. The rent for the house is in my mom's name which is $1500 a month and includes utilities. I would be willing to get a job and do whatever it takes to keep my youngest 3 siblings (aged 1, 3, and 4). If something bad happens to my mom I need to know what do I do in order to keep my family together. I don't want them with him or in foster care. My mom has already talked about divorce and custody, if that happens and she leaves the kids to me it would be easy, but if she doesn't get that done in time what should I do? I need help very desperately!!

Where is your father? This is a very sticky situation, because he does have rights to the children that he fathered. If I were you, I would see about getting some legal advice and see what could happen if something happens to your mom, I really hope that she and everything are OK.

At your age and situation you are unlikely to get custody. So you need to look for alternative guardians until you can get custody.

By the way, if your mom dies, then the food stamps and WIC stops. The child support continues but it goes to the legal guardians.