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family court question I need help please a.s.a.p?

I am 14 years old and have a sister who is 9 years old. My dad is slowly about to die really soon and he is not my biological father and he never adopted me but he is my little sister’s biological father. What I want to know is at what age could I try to see about moving out of my mother’s house or could I even try to move out and take care of my sister. What steps would I have to follow in order to do that? My mom has a past record of Prostitution, driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, and maybe drug possession I feel very strongly that when my dad passes she will go back to that lifestyle she already speaks about going back and doing things from her past or that she would like to commit suicide. She is a alcoholic and has already started using drugs again every once in a while, she is very emotional and short tempered and can sometime become some what abusive and take things out on me and my younger sister as well as my dad. My family would not take us in if something were to happen because of past arguments between my mother and family and because they are races against blacks. And my mom is not capable of taking care of us she has never had a job and has relied on my dad for the last 13 or 14 years. And far as my biological dad he is in prison I don’t want me and my sister to be places in foster care so I have never spoke up about any of the problems going on in my home. I just really need to know what age at the youngest could I try to move out and keep my sister with me. I have already looked into places and some what figured out the cost of living In some area’s and this is what I came up with …….. Rent $390, Bus fair $70 monthly includes me and my sister, Electric $25- $50, Food $200 that’s with budget and cooking foods that last, personal & household items $200, all the total of $910.00 plus maybe a little more. I also know I need to keep extra money incase of emergency. If a can get these two jobs this is the pay I would have. 8am – 4pm at 4.75 a hour 7 days a week 38 a day 266 a week 798 for 3 weeks 1,064 for 4 weeks computer center 5pm- 8pm 5.85 a hour 5 days a week 17.55 a day 87.75 a week 263.25 for 3 weeks 351.00 for 4 weeks This is my total I come up with for both jobs together. adding 3 weeks 798.00 263.25 is 1061.25 left is 261.25 adding 4 weeks 1,064.00 351.00 is 1415.00 left is 615.00 If you haven’t noticed I am really serious about this. And as for school I will continue with school online and my sister could still go to school and then during the day be with me at the computer center while she does her homework and when I get out of work we would be home together. I stay in Lansing, Michigan I REPOSTED THIS QUESTION WITH MORE INFO TO SEE MORE TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND MY QUESTION PLZ GO TO THIS LINK http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ah0.8x.vBvuiiQz0uuaveOrsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070908183527AAYkxoK

Public Comments

1. You may be serious but you are only 14 and the chance of it is very, very slim to none. If and when your father passes away and you decide it is too much to stay with your mother because of her uncaring ways then you can contact Children's Services and they will investigate. You also have valuable resources in school, in the front office, they are called counselors. They are trained and have heard it all, believe me. They will guide you and keep you from loosing what you need in school to be the person you hope to be one day. You sound bright enough and together. You have an option of completing your schooling and making something of yourself or throwing it away.
2. The laws are different in every state. All I can suggest is to have your dad write a will and ask him to have you as the primary careholder of your sister once your old enough when he passes away.
3. First of all, when your father passes (and I am very sorry for your impending loss), a social worker should be in touch. If not, please call social services and ask to speak to one. You need to let them know everything - they will help you. They can place both of you in the same home. At 14, there is no way you will be able to do this. Please let me know what state you live in. I might be able to put you in touch with someone who can help you.
4. Depending on the state you are in, you might be able to declare as an emancipated minor, but it would require your mother's signature. You would not be able to keep custody of your sister however, until you were 18. Possibly 16, but that is very very slim. Have you considered talking to a counselor at school? While your sister's father is alive there would be no need for the system to intervene, and the counselor at school might have addition information. I wish you the best of luck
5. you need to speak with an adult about this that you trust. First in most states you can get emancipated from your mom at 16 but you cant take your sister. and it is illegal for you to work that many hours a day. the federal law does not allow a person under the age of 18 to work more than 4 hours a day. and in you list of expenses you forgot health insurance, childcare for you sister because no employer will allow her there telephone for emergency and food will cost a lot more than $200 a month. and your sis will need clothes school supplies, sports stuff and extra money for fun stuff there is no way you can do it at 14 or 16 or even 18 I am 34 and have three kids a husband and we both have jobs and we can still barley make ends meet.
6. Legally you could file for emancipation from your mother but once you are in the court system you will have no control over what happens to your sister. You need an adult who can provide support for you. For a judge to grant you custody of your sister is near zero. Ask a counselor at school for other options, look into teen housing and pray. Or if you know someone you would rather stay with maybe you can ask to be your foster parent.
7. I'm so sorry for what your going thru! Unfortunately any road you take is going to be a huge challenge. You sound like you can handle it though! However the fact is you are a MINOR and you will be until you turn 18. You can not (and shouldn't have to) live on your own with your sister. Please don't run away. There are so many kids with good intentions in horrible situations that end up on the streets doing unthinkable things just to survive. If you have any extended family you should go to them now and talk about what can be done to better you and your sister's situation. Of course there's DHS that can and quite possibly step in. Sometimes that can be good and sometimes not. Remember no one is going to rent to a 14yr old. Depending on the state you live in it is illegal to hire anyone under 16. You would have to have a driver's license and to get that at 14 you'd have to apply, with an adults help, for a Hardship License and then what will you drive? Seriously....you're just not old enough yet. If you go out on your own the odds are you'll end up on the street! I really wish you the absolute best! Please go to a family member, teacher you can trust or any church office.
8. At 16 you can go to court and be declared a legal adult. At least in CT. That will solve the hours worked. Yes under 18 you are restricted with hours you can work and you can't enter into contract BUT if you are emancipated this no longer applies...you are a LEGAL adult. You will hit big bumps in the road. You will face real problems with work, money, and food. However you do seem very serious and willing to give it a good try. If you can become emancipated... your second step would be to get yourself set up and working .... paying your way and getting everything in order to get custody of your sister. See a family attorney at this point. Explain what you want to do and why. The first consultation is usually free and you'll get some good advice. You can get custody at 16 if you are emancipated. Again you would be considered an adult....which means if you screw up it's on your head. Use the time between now and then to get advice from any sources you can. Find out what services might be availible to you once you are on your own. Good luck
9. First of all, I wish to commend you for your determination to keep your sister with you and willingness to grow-up so quickly. Unfortunately, depending upon which state you live in, I don't think there is anyone who would hire you - they would be facing stiff penalties if they did (child labor laws, etc). Also, there are also much more to be considered in your calculations...taxes & other deductions...will cut into your pay. Is there no one you can talk to? Church members, school counselors, absolutely no one in your family?