I am a 18 year old female,graduated from high school,starting college,have a job & living with my father & step mother in a very stable home. I am wanting to get custody of my 8 year old brother,he is living with are mother. She had a long criminal record with drugs & some other things. While I lived with her as a child she had me & my brother taken by the state & put in foster care because she physically abused me & was heavy into drugs & prostitution,eventually we were given back to her but she hadn't change any so I was forced to leave my brother to live with my dad. I have copys of all the DHS papers & court papers. Now I am of age & want to save my brother from that life,I feel like I have a good chance if I take her to court but I'm no expert,any advice? Best way to go about this?

Your father and step mother should do this as they would be able to prove to the court a stable home life and the ability to take care of your brothre. Now you have good intentions and all but I doubt the court will listen to you being so young.

I don't understand why your dad doesn't do this. If you are living with dad, its not your home. I think the court will ask the same question. I could understand if you were living on your own or with someone other than your dad. But for you to ask for custody or guardianship when living in your father's home, I think the court would say to get your father to apply.

Yes, your dad needs to do this, not you. You make little money, can't afford your own home, still in school, and only 18.

First will mother sign over guardianship to you ? If not do you have 5000 to 10,000 to pay legal fees