what are the rights that teenage parents have..
my mom told me if i got pregnant she'd make me put my baby up for adoption..
but i've heard thats illegal..
then she said that'd she'd take custody of the baby..
can she do that?
2007-09-12 08:18:44 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
i live in california
2007-09-12 08:24:48 · update #1
I didnt do this on purpose it was an accident!!!
2007-09-12 08:27:03 · update #2
It all depends on where you live. In many states the court will give guardianship of children born to minors to their parents.
"I didnt do this on purpose it was an accident!!!" - Unless you were raped, you did it on purpose. Sex makes babies, that is how it works.
Most courts will presume that a underage mother is an unfit mother. Not doing illegal things (drinking, taking drugs etc) is not enough to win custody.
2007-09-12 08:24:03 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I don't know what your mom can do legally, for sure. I almost positive that she can't MAKE you put your child up for adoption. Even as a minor you are a woman with a right to bear and raise children so long as you are responsible (in the eyes of Child Protective Services). However, as for suing for custody, she might be able to do that. The court won't terminate your parental rights, but they might give her primary custody as you are a minor and live in her house (I assume).
I think the main issue here is probably that your mom gives you financial support, etc. and that she is trying to force a decision on you. My dad told me when I was 16 that if I got pregnant before I finished college he would make me have an abortion. It seems harsh but he just said he wasn't going to let me do something that could ruin my life (well, at least ruin my plans and my immediate future). He couldn't really force me to do anything lilke that, but he could withhold financial support (i.e. housing, food, clothing, tuition, etc.) so in a sense he would be making me choose. I would have chosen his support because without that I would be a teenage mother with no money and a bleak future, and what good would that do.
2007-09-12 08:36:25 · answer #2 · answered by eastchic2001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read what's in this link -- it gives a ton of info about teen parents and their rights in California. At the very end it also has contact numbers of legal aid bureaus and other agencies that can help you throughout the pregnancy, the birth, and after the child is born. I think it'll be really helpful to you. Read thru the whole thing though -- I know it's a lot of info, but it includes every question you might have now and also in the near future. Good luck.
http://www.publiccounsel.org/publications/legaliss.pdf
2007-09-12 08:38:30 · answer #3 · answered by Goddess 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm almost certain (I repeat almost, not completely) that she cannot force you to give it up for adoption. She may be able to sue for custody of the child, but she would have to prove you an unfit mother. If you avoid drinking, partying, staying out late (basically remain responsible), you should be able to keep the baby. Getting the right lawyer would be the most important thing here, but definitely showing that you are a responsible person that made a mistake but is willing to care for the child is very important also.
2007-09-12 08:25:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
She may have alot of power over the final decision. Honestly, you really shouldn't have the child at all, but that isn't my decision. You have so much life to live, don't ruin it with a kid so young. Have some sense, put the kid up for adoption. Go to college, and have some sense. The last thing this world needs is another pregnant teenager.
2007-09-12 08:32:19 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine H 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, I think that's true.
In my country when you get pregnant on a young age your baby will be taken care of,but they won't do it by force.You will have an option.
Coz they say that being teenage parents is difficult.
Coz you still don't have many life experiences,am i right?
2007-09-12 08:33:04 · answer #6 · answered by Tian ganteng 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on what state you are in and your age. If you are under 18, then she would legally be responsible for you and your child because you are a minor.I would contact the Department of Children's Services in your area or a counselor you trust.
2007-09-12 08:26:34 · answer #7 · answered by kmb 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes she can and why would you want to be pregnant as a teen? It is hard enough doing that as an adult. As long as your a minor your mom has a say so. Don't do it.
2007-09-12 08:26:03 · answer #8 · answered by bonstermonster20 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are under 18 then you yourself are a child in the eyes of the law.
So there's a chance she's right.
Check local laws for details.
Good luck.
2007-09-12 08:23:31 · answer #9 · answered by American citizen and taxpayer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
honey, you're gonna have to tell us what state you live in if you hope to get an informative answer. THese kinds of laws vary drastically from state to state.
2007-09-12 08:23:14 · answer #10 · answered by Shelly P. Tofu, E.M.T. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋