“I am 18 years old. I have a steady job and can support myself. My brother, who is 10 now, and I were both taken from my mother at a very early age. Neither one of us know who our father is. my brother was adopted by our grandfather who is now very old, has back problems and heart problems. He doesn’t have that long left to live to be able to care for my brother until he is old enough to be on his own. I would really like to have him come live with me when our grandfather passes away. I would have plenty of financial help if this were to happen and my brother would be very well taken care of. Can I obtain custody of him, and if so how could i go about getting it?”

You will need to do a relative (sibling) adoption. The actual requirements vary from State to State, but you are on the right track becoming self-supporting. Check for resources on the internet. The forms are available. If not, and if there is nobody to contest the adoption, you may be able to proceed with just the help of a paper preparer (paralegal). If you do not feel comfortable with the process, consult an attorney.


Michael Durgavich is an accomplished attorney and mediator. Maintaining a general practice in the San Jose, California area, Mr. Durgavich specializes in family law, bankruptcy, and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Durgavich can be reached through his website at http://www.MichaelDurgavich.com. Contact This Author

State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.