URGENT! Please help me! Only answer if you're very familiar with the law!?

Question

My parents are probably getting divorced...

Is it legal in the state of Kansas for two parents to put a minor up for adoption? I'm scared for my physical and mental safety. Just a little while ago, my parents were hitting each other and arguing...This has been going on for many, many years. Most of my life, in fact.

I'm 16 years old. I'm not a legal citizen, but I do have permanent residency. Can I be put up for adoption? And if I'm put up for adoption, can anyone adopt me? Am I allowed to CHOOSE who I end up with?

Please answer...

Answer 1

with you being 16 years old you have a say as of who you want to be with. they can only take you and put you up for adoption if the state by any chance thinks one or both of your parents aren't fit to raise you or unless you are being abused in any way by either one or both.

Answer 2

Sorry to hear that you're parents are getting divorced, it can be hardest on the kids. But at least, the pain of the divorce will pass.

For advice, The 1st issue is your physical safety, Your parents will be filing papers for divorce and going through a legal process, this will cause the social services dept. to get involved. They will inspect both of your parents angers, moods, and home enviorment. If you've been hurt by them, tell the worker. They will help.

2nd. Two parents can put a minor child up for adoption, BUT, its NOT very likely they'll do it. It's more likely, YOU'LL STAY WITH EITHER PARENT, Having split custody. Spending time between homes is the most ikely thing to happen.

3rd. The divorce judges or lawyers will ASK YOUR OPINION ON WHO YOU WANT TO STAY WITH. Being 16, you're opinion carries weight more than someone who is younger.

4th. You have permanent residency, You wont be booted out of here. Being 16 you're still under the jurisdiction of your parents or gaurdian.

5th. By the time an adoption process, is started. you may well turning 18 by the time any adoption is completed. That makes you legally, an adult. You can then decide for yourself, where you wish to stay, go to, who to live with, etc.

6th. You could get a lawyer yourself and have him/her fight for your rights. Some kids do get advocates for themselves.

7th. Not anyone can adopt. Adoptions are closely watched. Real tight and real close inspections go on. This keeps you from being adopted by say, Uncle Olav and going through the unfortunate series as a lifestye.

8th. You could become an "emancipated minor". Basically, you become a quasi adult. You're responsible for your bills, places to stay, and you have the freedom of an adult.

I know this is a bunch to throw at you. But these solutions can really help out, when the divorce comes. just speak up when you need to, rely on your lawyers or advocate, they'll get you through the rough spots.

Cathy K. thanks for the link. I've read it.

The A part means that a parent can apply to put a minor up for adoption, and that it has to accepted by the agency or court. But a hearing still has to happen before it can be approved. It could be rejected, of course.

Part b means both parents must agree or it cant be processed. As for the rest, check with a lawyer, and they'll explain it all.

Answer 3

at the age of 16, you can choose where you live, I do not think that your parents would put you up for adoption, that is unless neither one of them want you and they are telling you this, if that is the case you are better off with a relative or close friend, so you can finish high school in the same one you started. Unfortunately, with your parents being not nice about the divorce, you and any other siblings will be put in the middle and honestly most likely be used as pawns for leverage in the divorce. SEe if there is an aunt or uncle or grandparent that you can live with and let mom and dad cool off and deal with their issues and leave you out of it.

Answer 4

If you get put up for adoption you do not get to chose who you get, unless theres someone willing to adopt you. But realistically its going to be an uphill battle for you to even remain in this country. You will most either have to go with your parents or back to the country in which you are a citizen once you turn 18. Even if you are up for adoption, most people are looking for babies or small children and not 16 year olds. You may go into foster care until you're 18 and will then be forced to leave the country.

It is my biggest adivse that you begin to obtain citizenship before you are forced out.

Answer 5

If you feel that you may be in danger from either one of your parents, or your home is an unsafe, or unhealthy environment, then you need to get out of that situation NOW. No one should be subject to violence in their own home. As many have already answered, CALL THE POLICE when they are fighting. Social services may be able to place you in a better, safer home or shelter. I know that you probably do not want to be separated from your parents, but the most important person in this equation is you. If you will be safer separate from them, then you should be; at least until they can get their lives straightened out.

Answer 6

Here are the Kansas adoption statutes...

http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-statutes/getStatuteFile.do?number=/59-2124.html

because you asked for them...

But, I think that (even though the situation is extremely serious) you might be overreacting a little bit and thinking of the worse case scenario. Why don't you talk to one of your parents about your fears? Have they mentioned the idea to you? Or is it a conclusion you came to on your own?

Answer 7

Anyone very familiar with the law are either a Cop or in Prison.
You may want to take the advice of the Cop in Answer number one. I am sorry you have to live in this type of situation.

Answer 8

next time someone hits someone else, call the police and get out of that house. I've been to domestics where the kid was beaten because the dad was tired of beating on the wife

Answer 9

Call the Police if your parents are hitting each other.