Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

I am 17 years old living in the state of Florida. I will be 18 December 1. I no longer wish to be in my mothers home and my biological father has no relationship with me so he is completely out of the question. My parents have been goin through a divorce the past 3 years. Over these past few months I have been diagnosed with stress related illnesses such as fibromyalgia and psoriasis which have persisted and come about during these past years. The enviornment is extremely stressful and I am constantly expected to take care of my 11 year old brother. They are hardly ever home and when they are it is extremely uncomfortable and the constant yelling has taken an extreme toll on mine and my brothers mental health. Am I allowed to move out if I am staying in a safe enviornment and I am making it back and forth to work and school and my grades are at a reasonable stand point?


Asked on 7/29/10, 7:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

You need to contact the Dept. of Children and Family Services and have them investigate your situation. You and your brother can be removed from this environment to a safe haven. You can still attend your school and job and once you have graduated you could apply to the court for guardianship of your brother. YOu need sufficient funds and a place to live to do so and can show you are responsible. It will be tough but it can be done. However, I would look to other family members that would agree to raise him in an environment where he would be happy. You need a break from all this and later down the road you can rethink these things.

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Answered on 8/04/10, 6:55 am


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