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.
I asked this question yesterday but because of some answers Im going to clarify some details. I plan on marrying my girlfriend eventually and we both plan on doing so. Her parents are not trying to take the baby from me, but...
2006-08-31 18:27:23 · 11 answers · asked by Ray 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
(continued) ...sometimes they will say such things as since she is a minor and the mother, they have the ability to make the decisions. One such thing they said was that they could put the baby up for adoption if they believed it was the right thing to do. I just want to know if anyone knows anythng about New Hampshires laws regarding this in this situation. Thanks.
2006-08-31 18:30:16 · update #1
I found a website that might be able to provide you with a little information about benefits/rights of minor mothers (not sure if it applies to New Hampshire though):
http://www.nyclu.org/rrp_rppt6.html
My mother had my older sister when she was 16 years old and she was the one who made all of the decisions (i.e. what to put on the birth certificate, what tests were allowed, etc.) not her parents. I don't know why they're trying to threaten you or make you feel that you don't have rights in the situation (that simply isn't true) ... you are the father.
I would advise you call a family attorney from the phone book (oftentimes they'll answer brief questions for free over the phone) to see whether or not what your future in-laws say is true.
Best of luck! And congratulations on the forthcoming birth of your child.
2006-08-31 18:41:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your the father you have all rights to your child as a mother does unless your sick in the head or a really bad person. As long as your name is on the birth certificate then you have legal sharing custody of your child. I was 16 with my first and my parents could not do a damn thing about it. The law banded Granparent rights along time ago. Unless the mother is unfit to care for the child or provide the right care you can get full custody of that child if your situation are right, but usually the court give the custody to the mothers. Which is not right because there are good fathers out there that have kids with bad mothers but the courts see it different. But if you don't stay together be a good man a do everything for that child even if you only see it everyother weekend. There are parenting plans out there to. I have been through it all. Good luck and wish you the best with your new baby, enjoy them when they are young because they grow up way to fast.
2006-09-01 03:51:33 · answer #2 · answered by medevilqueen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just so you know -
No matter how old the mother is, the mother is responsible for ALL decisions regarding the baby. Your girlfriends parents have NO LEGAL rights to the baby. You and your girlfriend will get to make all medical and legal decisions for the baby. No matter how stupid that sounds considering how young you are and that you shouldn't be having a baby. I'm glad to hear you at least want the baby.
So, don't let your GF's parents bully you or her around. They have NO right to the baby or to make decisions for the baby. I suggest you and your GF try to find some resources for support when the baby is born since it seems like her parents don't seem very supportive.
2006-09-01 01:30:50 · answer #3 · answered by wldntulike_2know 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont no clue on New Hamphires law but if the parents knew you got her pregnant they cant do anything you got more rights then anything i was 16 years old and had a baby by a 30 year old and they couldnt do anything because my mom said it was okay if your in love and you and your girlfriend love each other and agree on things there is nothing they can do plus your not that much the parents have no power if your name is on the birth certificate they need to read up on the law
2006-09-01 01:35:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I kinda know what your going through ! Just in a different situation . I just turned 18 July 26Th. And I am Pregnant the father of my child is 24 and he was trying to say that he has more power than me . But since I am the mother of my child " I " have complete control ! And unless they have custody of the baby they can't do anything.So don't worry about that. Another thing all you can do is Pray for her parents.
2006-09-01 03:27:24 · answer #5 · answered by serinitylashae 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do not have the power to do any of that. You are the legal guardian of that child, you have just as many rights to that child if not more than the mother. Even if they were able to take guardianship over their daughter, that just means that she does not have any power over your child, it has nothing to do with you.
Also...thank you for stepping up and taking responsibilty. I know it will be hard at your age and it is very respectable that you are taking the part that you are, A lot of guys would not.
2006-09-01 01:37:28 · answer #6 · answered by chairkiss_silver 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are totally wrong! They cannot put the baby up for adoption or make any other decisions for the baby, even if living with them! Even if the mom is on their insurance and it pays for the birth. However, their insurance will not pay for the baby's portion of the hospital bill, unless they have adopted the baby. You will have to get Medicaid to pay that, or pay it yourselves.
2006-09-01 01:35:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just watch yourself. don't do anything to piss her parents off.... i think if the guy wants to be part in raising the baby more power to him....my husband has a 4yr old little girl and i want him to be there for her...she is his world i know im am to but she is a doll we try and get her as much as we can...please do all you can and i hope everything works out for the both of you
2006-09-01 01:32:33 · answer #8 · answered by Lisa K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
once she has given birth the government automatically considers her an emancipated minor. She could even legally move out if she wants to. good luck.
2006-09-01 03:42:44 · answer #9 · answered by ashez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just remember who is paying for EVERYTHING, might be dad
Don't tick them off unless you are going on welfare
An old saying is he who has the gold makes the choices
2006-09-01 01:37:09 · answer #10 · answered by Scooby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋