If you are not in contact with your family, how do you avoid answering questions about them?

It may seem weird, but it's accurate. People should not ask personal or prying questions, so a polite rebuff is not out of line. As one in a similar situation, I say, "I'm estranged from my sisters these days." I'm sure it makes them curious, but there's something about the word "estranged" that makes people think it's something serious and they don't press the issue. They pretty much say "that's too bad." Most of the time I let it go, and depending on the mood I might laugh and say, "Not always!" Haha. I haven't had anyone ask what happened, but I'm sure if they did I would simply say, "It's personal."