Q: How can I remove my name from an unaffordable lease and solve my brother's living situation?

A: You are asking two separate questions, legally.

You have no legal responsibility to house your younger brother.

Regarding the lease, tell the landlord that you are canceling. Do not take possession of the property. You may lose any deposit that may have been made. Speak with a local real estate lawyer for more specific advice.

A: It’s not easy to be put in this kind of position at 18, especially when you didn’t fully agree to the lease or have the resources to manage it. Since the lease hasn’t started yet, talk to the landlord in writing right away and ask to be released from the contract. If they won’t let you out willingly, check if there’s an early termination clause or if you can transfer the lease to someone else. Document the pressure you experienced from your mother—coercion can sometimes be used to argue that a contract isn’t valid, but it depends on the situation and proof.

As for your brother, if your mother is leaving and he can’t stay with your father, you may need to contact child welfare services or the Florida Department of Children and Families. While it’s admirable that you want to help, you’re not legally responsible for him at your age, and it’s okay to acknowledge that you’re not in a position to provide stable housing. If your father is willing to support financially, maybe he can help find a temporary guardian or safe place for your brother.

You’re doing your best in a tough spot, and it’s okay to ask for help from trusted adults, school counselors, or legal aid services in your area. Focus on getting out of the lease first—if it’s legally binding, you don’t want unpaid rent following you. Then, work with someone who can help figure out a safe solution for your brother. You’re showing a lot of heart just by trying to keep everyone safe, and that matters more than you realize.