I'm 17 years old, just one year shy of being legally responsible. I used to live in Florida, with my mother and the rest of my family. When I was 10 years old my dad went to Brazil to start a business, and never came back. Last year (2006) I went to live with him for a year. I didnt like it too much so I decided to return to the U.S.A.
So I went back in April of this year, and stayed one month. My father told me to return and gather my things (clothes, belongings, etc) and that I would only stay 2 weeks and be on my way to my new life. Well here I am. I've been here in Brazil for more than 2 months and my father says he wont let me leave untill my 18th birthday. Can he do this?
I read the UN's Child Rights Convention, and Brazil is part of it. But I'm a bit confused. Whether I am young or old, I am still a human being. I should have rights too.
Please help me out.
-Kevin
2007-07-13 06:33:53 · 6 answers · asked by Scenenihilation Führer 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I'm 17 years old, just one year shy of being legally responsible. I used to live in Florida, with my mother and the rest of my family. When I was 10 years old my dad went to Brazil to start a business, and never came back. Last year (2006) I went to live with him for a year. I didnt like it too much so I decided to return to the U.S.A.
So I went back in April of this year, and stayed one month. My father told me to return and gather my things (clothes, belongings, etc) and that I would only stay 2 weeks and be on my way to my new life. Well here I am. I've been here in Brazil for more than 2 months and my father says he wont let me leave untill my 18th birthday. Can he do this?
I read the UN's Child Rights Convention, and Brazil is part of it. But I'm a bit confused. Whether I am young or old, I am still a human being. I should have rights too.
Please help me out.
-Kevin
(I am a U.S. and Brazillian citizen)
(My parents are still legally married)
(Situation: hopeless?)
2007-07-13 06:49:29 · update #1
As your father, legally he is not breaking any law by keeping you with him. Is it possible that your mother may have been having some behavior issues with you and that is why she won't help convince your father to let you come back to the states?
Whether you are young or old you do have rights, but mom and dad have more, :( sorry just how it is. Try to make the best of it.
2007-07-21 06:40:54 · answer #1 · answered by Penny K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to check Brazilian laws but technically since your mother has custody too (right?) and since you're an American citizen they have no right to interfere with this. You have every right to go stay with your mother and so if your father is that ardent about it either have your mother contact a lawyer (in USA or Brazil) or you can try to contact the United States embassy in Brazil.
2007-07-13 06:43:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if your father can force you to stay in Brazil against your will. Are you a Brazilian citizen, American citizen or dual? That makes a difference.
Contact the American consulate and see what you need to do to return to the US.
2007-07-13 06:43:21 · answer #3 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are of legal age, or have a "divorce" from your father, in which the courts determine that you are legally separated from your parents (father) you don't have much choice...
sorry
2007-07-13 06:42:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first.. does you mom have custody of you if so...have her contact the embassy and/or the child's rights convention and figure out how to get you back to FL
2007-07-13 06:43:13 · answer #5 · answered by addictiverendevouz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, but you are still a minor, so you better run and get your own place.
2007-07-21 05:12:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋