Can I arrange the adoption myself if I'm a minor?

Question

I'm pregnant and the father of my baby is out of the picture.He has a wife and two kids in his home country.I didn't know.My mother wants me to have an abortion but I don't think so.
Can I chose the adoptive parents?
16yo,California

I'm not emancipated

Answer 1

YES - you can.

While you can't do all the legal work of attorneys and social workers, there are plenty of adoption agencies that allow the biological mother to have a say in who adopts her child. Contact a social worker in your area to get a list of local adoption agencies that make that happen. Through "OPEN ADOPTION", you and the adoptive parents remain in contact (before, during, and after the adoption) by exchanging letters, pictures, birthday gifts, etc. through the adoption agency. This means that you'll always know you have a special place in your child's life.

Here's a link to explain open adoption:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/adoption/openadoptionadvantages.htm

Also, I found a link to an agency that does open adoptions and that has branches in the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles:
http://www.adoptionhelp.org/

Good luck. Whether you choose to put your child up for adoption, or keep it, you are being brave for putting the interests of your child first. We can all offer advice and support, but do what is in your heart.

PS - Even though you are under 18, you do not need anyone's permission to place your child for adoption. Check this link:
http://www.jlc.org/index.php/factsheets/teenpreg#14
Also, no one can make you have an abortion:
http://www.jlc.org/index.php/factsheets/teenpreg#10

The Juvenile Law Center has a very simple site that explains your rights as a teen parent:
http://www.jlc.org/index.php/factsheets/teenpreg

Here's another info site on your rights as a teen parent:
http://www.teenparents.org/

Answer 2

i'm not an attorney, so not qualified to give you an answer that is a for sure answer. But, you say you are 16 in California? If you happen to be emancipated (legally out of high school - GED and living on your own), chances are good that you can enter into any contract same as an adult of legal age.

But, if you are still a dependent of your mother/parent's, unfortunately, AFAIK, you don't have control of your life - I mean in the legal sense until you turn 18.

Of course, if your mother is reasonable, she could, between the two of you, allow you to choose for yourself, then have her just sign whatever papers that the adult/guardian/parent normally would sign - I guess.

You better check elsewhere though. I really tried to tell you to the best exent that I could, but I don't really know for 100% sure how all of that works, so getting real legal advice would probably do you a lot better.

Good Luck

Answer 3

You mom can not force you to have an abortion,

You should be able to choose the adoptive parents, or turn the child over to an adoption agency. Or depending on the state even turn the child over to the hospital after birth.

I was adopted and have adopted one child myself, adopted children are loved beyond beleif.

I would say let the child go to a wonderful family,

Your mother is not thinking clear right now, killing a child is never a good choice, and esp if it is not your body you are making the choice for.

Answer 4

I hope that you are cooperating with your parents and the police to have this guy arrested now that you see him for what he really is.

Your judgment isn't the greatest, so I would suggest that you choose an agency or attorney that will pick the best parents possible for your child instead of you making that decision yourself.

I am truly sorry that you had to learn the hard way. A lot of us have been reading all your posts and felt like we were watching a train wreck that was about to happen.

Answer 5

It is your choice first of all! There are laws that protect you.
You can choose the adoptive parents.
I have place a child for adoption and believe very much in adoption. You need to find an Adoption Services Provider in your area... It is just a social worker who specializes in adoption.
She will make sure that you wishes and rights are respected.
please feel free to contact me. [e-mail]

Answer 6

Yes you can arrange it yourself...don't let anyone force you to have an abortion...YOU need to call a lawyer and talk to them.
You are 16 and pregnant...that means that you are legally able to decide for you and your baby...but please do call a laywer or an adoption agency and talk to them.
Your mom CANNOT force you to abort the baby or even give it up if you don't want to....you have the right to decide what happens to YOUR baby...not anyone else...and don't let anyone bully you into doing something that you don't want to do.

Answer 7

I would consult with your mother, a spiritual leader (if you go to church), and a family law attorney. There are many couples trying to gain a child who will go through a selection process. Many times these families will help out with your needs, hospitalization, counseling costs, etc.

Answer 8

If you are a emancipated girl maybe. You have top go to the court for that .
DONT BE STUPID AS YOU WERE when you let a married man with 2 kids pork you. Talk to your mom and a doctor and a priest and a judge and a lawyer to sue the man for money to raise that kid.

Answer 9

Yes, but your parents are sure to find out.