Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
“I want to know what I need to do to get full custody of my 10 year old sister. She is now living with both parents (California) and because of money issues they are both going to move out of the country (Mexico). I want her to stay here with me and finish school. I am a 23 year old, married with no children. She really wants to move in with me but I’m not sure if her parents not being here there would be a problem at school?”
The best way to handle issues like these is to open the lines of communication with your parents and the school to discuss the concerns and to see if the school has any resources to assist you. It may be that it would be sufficient for your parents to make you the legal guardian of your sister, or it may be that your parents would need to let you adopt her. Contact an attorney who specializes in adoptions, possibly sibling adoptions if one is available in your area. If finances are an issue, contact the local Bar Association and ask for a list of pro bono adoption attorneys, who will work either for free of for a fee based on income.
