Q: How can I (30 years old) get custody of my 12 year old sister?
My father and ex-stepmother are in the mist of a custody battle for mt 12 year old sister. The problem is that they are both manipulating her and neither are good or even decent parents. One is an extreme narcissist who has given his only son PTSD and the other is a jobless and depressed lump that can't hold a job. I on the other hand have 2 degrees and have been working in my career field for 6 years, married, and own a home with plenty of space for my sister in a safe neighborhood with great schools. I don't even know where to start but I do know that if she stays with her mother, or goes to her father, she will try to commit suicide again and that is not the kind of life I want for her. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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- New Jersey
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A: Despite your very noble intentions and the good cause you have for seeking to do this, the odds are not in your favor. You will need to retain the best matrimonial (family law) attorney that you can afford. The Court will require a plenary hearing, which for all intents and purposes will be a trial on the issue custody, and visitation. You will almost certainly require expert report and testimony to have any chance at being successful. You could easily end up spending between $25,000 to $50,000 on this case. Do not let geographic restrictions get in the way of retaining the best attorney. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a cheap attorney is generally never good so don't choose based on price.
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