"If your parents will pay zero, and will not support you financially otherwise, you should look into being declared independent. "
Rhand- in my state, a teenager cannot “look into being declared independent” like one investigates getting a learner’s permit. Being declared independent is one of the ramifications of a long and complex legal process, typically initiated by a mandated reporter contacting law enforcement, NOT initiated by a kid who is upset about limited college options.
Got it?
The issue of your family member disowning his children is a bit of a red herring.