What happens to a 16 year old who no one wants?

Question

My parents have been divorced for 14 years and my father signed away guardianship and custody when i was about 6 or 7. i moved out of my mothers house about 6 months ago, and she has now decided that she doesnt want custody of me because she doesnt want to pay my medical. so now im stuck with a father who has no legal right, nor desires any, and a mother who is signing away her custody. so what happens to me? will i be declared an adult in the eyes of the law or will custody be signed over to someone else? i am 16, so im not sure what happens.

Answer 1

If it was me, and I dont know if you can pull this off but I would try, I would go see an attorney and see if you can sue your parents for neglect and abandonment. It cant hurt to talk to a lawyer. Many will give you a free consultation and not charge you unless you win the case.

Answer 2

I'm not sure of the legalities involved but normally at the age of 16 you're still considered a minor and I would think that if your mother is signing away custody, she has to name someone else as the legal guardian. Is there anyone else who could fill that role?

You may want to do some research on the internet. A place to start would be: www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Child_custody
It may not have the exact answer you're looking for but you may find something that will help or a link to another site. There's also the possibility of filing for emancipation from your parents which, if it's granted, will give you freedom from them. The laws in each state are different so you would need to research how things are done in your state.

From an emotional standpoint, how are you doing? Do you have someone to talk to about how you feel about this whole situation? If not, perhaps talking to a school counselor or a trusted adult will help you deal with things. It can't be easy for you.

Answer 3

The most likely thing is that you would be considered a ward of the state and maybe put into some kind of foster care. If you have a relative that you are close to, see if you can go to live with them for the next couple years until you finish school. In the meantime, try to find some kind of job so that if worst comes to worst, you can have yourself declared as an adult legally so you have some kind of input on what happens to you.

I think what your parents did was horrible. I can't believe anyone would trade away their child over money. Just remember, your parents ditching you is a reflection on THEM alone, you are not responsible for their LOUSY decisions. Good luck and I really hope things work out well for you.

Answer 4

Is there someone in the family that you can live with? You moved out of your mother's house? Where were you living after moving out? Medical expenses? Is there a way your mom can apply for aid through the state to cover your medical expenses. Are you living with your father right now? If so, granted it might not be a place you want to be living but at least he's taken you in and you're not on the streets. I think it depends on your state but you can be emancipated. But now comes bigger decisions like where are you going to live, how are you going to support yourself, no matter what STAY IN SCHOOL!! Maybe you can go to a trusted adult in your school to help you with your situation.

I think parents can sign off custody rights to children.

Answer 5

The parents can not sign away custody. Your father can't do that either. They are still responsible for you until you are 18. Call the police for child neglect if it gets to that point.

Answer 6

Honey do you have grandparents or any relatives who care. My best advice to you if you don't and they don't care is to go have a talk with your priest I am sure that God is looking after you. Or you may start looking for a job just to maintain yourself/ you can also check out employment for room and board in return to take care of some elderly folks who may give you the opportunity to work during the day. Good Luck

Answer 7

I would ignore the parents and start getting your own feet on the ground. Sounds like they dont have a working brain between the 2, Sad but it happens sometimes.

I am unsure of the word, but its that thing where you whipe your hands clean of your parents legally and do it for yourself. I get the feeling you have been doing it up to now

Answer 8

well you can go to the courts and technically file for divorce from your parents that way you can be legally on your own and get your own apartment or house in your name. now as for the massive medical bills i'm sure your acquiring try to get assistance from the state to help with the bills. like medicare they help you alot. also for housing help try getting on Housing each state has a Housing Authority in case you need help paying rent they can even put you in what they call a HUD home ( Housing and Urban Developement ) and pay you a check to your land lord. i hope that helps you out.

Answer 9

This is a very painful situation. I have children of my own and I cannot understand how parents can be so cold hearted but still baby trust God, you can always trust him if you can't trust any one else.You are still a child. A new home will be found for you.Don't worry always remember jesus loves you and sees your heart and everthing in it he will never leave you.

Answer 10

im so sorry about all of that. i think at your age you become a ward of the state and can be taken in by a foster family until you reach the age of eighteen.then you can choose what you want to do.