[socialparadox]

Hi, I am 21 almost 22, studying teaching (primary) at uni, my mother who up until recently has primarily raised and cared for my youngest brother has died.
She separated from his father when I was around 13-14.

He has a long history of substance abuse, mainly pot and alcohol.
He also has a history of abusive behaviour, many of these to my mother while they were still together (one leaving her screaming out begging me to help)..
Others while they were separated including breaking into our house and raping her.

My youngest brother hates his father, his father has never expressed any interest in so much as seeing my youngest brother let alone to have custody of him.

His father still has substance abuse issues, and I'm worried that if my youngest brother were to live with him he could come out as emotionally scarred as I am.

Is there any way I can gain custody of my little brother?

[Alty]

Where is your brother living now?

Have you contacted a lawyer about getting custody? You will need a lawyer if you're even going to attempt to do this.

Has the father been given custody? If so, are any of the accusations you've made against him things that can be documented (jail time, arrests, etc), or is it your word against his?

[socialparadox]

Atm my brother is with his grandparents, until his father picks him up.
No, not yet, but I do plan to
The father hasn't officially been given custody, but I figured he'd have custody by default.
He hasn't served any jail time, though he has had his license revoked a few times now because of his drink driving.

As far as my other allogations, I can get testimonies from my family, if that would count for anything, I could also try to get a testimony from the fathers mother.

[ScottGem]

atm my brother is with his grandparents, until his father picks him up.

Has there been any indication that the father wants custody? Do the grandparents want custody? They would have a better chance.