What Happens If The Custodial Parent Dies

[trishbabe09]

I'm 16 years old (17 in 1 month)and my mother has custody of me. She also has a deadly sickness and we don't know how much longer she will live?? She has a life insurance policy of over $30,000 for me when she passes. If she dies, who will I have to live with?? I have a few family members that I would be comfortable living with. My father is both mentally and financially in trouble. He's a troubled alcoholic and a drug addict. I definately don't want to end up with him. Is it my decision who I want to stay with until I'm 18?

[aaron]

The normal consequence is that the other parent gains custody. In your situation, given your age and circumstances, if it comes to that you may be able to get a court to approve your living with an appropriate adult relative. Your mother and father would do you a favor if they cooperatively planned for this.