My girlfriend and I are currently 17 and she is pregnant. Ill be 18 in a couple weeks, about 3 months before the baby is born but she will not be 18 till late April of 2007. I was wandering if anyone knew what rights I have over the baby. Her parents often will say something about her being a minor and how they have the power to make all the decisions. I thought possibly since I am not going to be a minor when the baby is born that I may have some rights over the baby and some decision making power. Often I dont agree with things they say about what is going to happen and sometimes they make threats that I cant do anything. I reside in New Hampshire and Im not quite sure how the laws work here. Thanks to everyone who replies sincerley trying to help.
2006-08-30 19:10:43 · 8 answers · asked by Ray 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
If anyone has any additional questions please just send me a im at rayban988 on YIM or piratep2p on AIM. Thanks.
2006-08-30 19:44:57 · update #1
I believe you have full father rights but I would call a lawyer for information. I think there is a hot line that you can call and you get a few minutes free. I will see what I can find.But remember these people are the grandparents of this child and do have rights too so try to get along. This is much more common then you know. When you child grows up especially if a daughter you will understand. Their baby is having a baby, and once baby is born things usually calm down. Just give them time. Very mature of you to want to be a part awesome in fact!
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2006-08-30 19:15:20 · answer #1 · answered by momsapplepeye 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't imagine what issues you could be concerned about except possibly circumcision or emergency medical decisions (I assume your girlfriend is not a Jehova's Witness?)
A common source of conflict is relgious upbringing, but (1) you won't have custody (I assume the girlfriend is not mentally or emotioinally unstable and incapable) and (2) religion doesn't matter for the first year or two of life except in the wildly improbable (and tragic) case of a funeral.
If you marry the girl's parents lose responsibility. But even if you don't, their responsibility is quite limited -- to the "best interests of the child" and the mother.
The fact is that so long as their daughter lives under their roof they have authority -- practical as well as legal. Get along with them. Don't try to bully them or argue when after all they are paying the bills and you are not.
And speaking of child support: that obligation is quite independent of custody and authority and power over the child's upbringing.
For the rest, it depends on your relationship with the girlfriend, and your future together. If any . . . it becomes less likely if you can't make peace with her parents.
If your baby is born in Canada he or she will be a dual national for life. That is said to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to a child. In additional rights (benefits, social security, right to work, cheap education). Think about it.
2006-08-30 19:19:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say to contact your local planned parenthood for some resource material. You could also go to your library and check into it there. You can also call your local attorney hotline and see if you can get a free consultation with a family law attorney to see what your rights are.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-30 19:17:24 · answer #3 · answered by nkg0515 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get married then BOTH of you will have 100% rights over the child.
Contact an attorney IMMEDIATELY!
The ONLY way that YOU will have ANY rights is if the MOTHER allows it! She has the say in everything.
2006-08-30 19:19:55 · answer #4 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are 18 you have 100% authority over that kid, they mother will also reguardless of her age. the grandparents don't have any control, get a lawyer NOW! Don't let them boss you around and take away your parental rights!
2006-08-30 19:14:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suppose it depends on the state you live in, but I'd have thought getting married would place you both in your majority. About the only thing that would still be in place would be liquor laws, that sort of thing. You'd have to check your state's laws.
2006-08-30 19:15:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alright no matter what state it is its your baby and her baby. the grandparents have the right to stay the hell out of your buisness and you raise that kid the best way you can good luck and god bless.
2006-08-30 19:19:04 · answer #7 · answered by tj_george2 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know but you could try contacting a lawyer.
Good Luck.
2006-08-30 19:14:27 · answer #8 · answered by -x-STEPHiE-x- 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋