My mother hasn't received child support payments from my father for over a year; I think she's become incredibly depressed about her treatment by the legal system, and has come to believe that no matter what she does, she'll have to bear the full financial burden of raising my sister. Help me inspire her with a rational reason why she should keep trying. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 11, 2012 - 13 answers

How do I petition the court to become my little brother's legal guardian in New Jersey? A little background: My mother has a terminal disease, which may also cause her to be mentally incapacitated at some point (thanks in advance for the condolences). My little brother is 15 and lives at home with my mom. My mom has made it clear to myself and people around her that she wants me to become his guardian after she dies. But, I have had little luck figuring out the actual legal process for initiating the process. [more inside]
posted by runcibleshaw on Oct 24, 2011 - 17 answers

Someone reassure me that I will indeed get joint custody.... [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 21, 2009 - 8 answers

Somewhat of a follow-up to a previous question about my grandfather, I have some vague questions about law enforcement and the mental health system in 1950s America. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff on Sep 26, 2006 - 12 answers