Comments on: Do I lose any rights if I′m pregnant?

By: Jullian

Jullian — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 06:15:58 +0000

Hey judge,
I am 15 and getting ready to have a baby. I want to know if I have legal right over who is in the delivery room with me. My parents say that I have no legal right and that the father of the child cannot be in there with me by their choice. What do I actually have say over?
Dear Jullian: Your rights as a teen parent depend on specific laws in your state. The hospital policies and procedures may also have a say in who is allowed in the delivery room and under what circumstances. You can speak with someone at the hospital about this or go online to the hospital’s website for information. You can also ask your doctor who should know the rules of the hospital where he or she practices. You can also Google the name of your state and “teen parent rights” for additional information. Good luck to you & your baby. Stay healthy even after delivery.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:03:38 +0000

Hey judge,
I am 16 and live in North Carolina. I am possibly pregnant and my parents said that if I am, when the baby is born they are taking custody of the baby. Can they do that? I am going to work so that I can take care of him/her. I am wanting to raise it and care for it considering it is my child. They want him/her to grow up thinking I am it’s sibling. Do I have a say so in whether or not they can do this? Any advice would be great and extremely helpful.
Thank you,
Amanda
Dear Amanda: The laws regarding parental authority over pregnant teens differ from state to state. Here is a government web site in North Carolina with information, phone numbers, etc.
If you Google “North Carolina teen parents,” you’ll see additional resources that may help you out.
Good luck and stay healthy.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Adriana

Adriana — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:28:14 +0000

Hi judge,
I have a question,i am 17 years old and pregnant and i was wondering if it is possible for me to drop out of school, i live in the state of claifornia?
Dear Adriana: Compulsory education laws in your state require you to be in school until you are 18. However, there are exceptions to this requirement. The following statement is from the California Department of Education’s website: “California compulsory education law requires everyone between the ages of six and eighteen years of age to attend school, except sixteen and seventeen year-olds who have graduated from high school or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) and obtained parental permission to leave.” So, try talking to your school counselor about your pregnancy and your thoughts on dropping out. He/she could provide other options like alternative schools, GED programs, etc. You already have so many years behind you in school and only have a short period before receiving your diploma. That’s huge and could greatly benefit your future. Take care of yourself.
(This is information only – not legal advice.)

By: Megan

Megan — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:29:11 +0000

I will be 17 in two weeks and my father is trying to get a court ordered adoption after my baby is born. I want to keep it. He also is trying to tell me to move back home from my grandmothers so he can keep me locked in a room. What can I do?
Dear Megan: Every state has specific laws regarding adoption. Generally, as a teen mom, you have rights over your baby. In order for your child to be adopted by anyone, you must consent to it or there needs to be a court order terminating your parental rights to the child. Talk with an adult you trust about this and your living situation. For example, a school counselor, your grandparents or the parents of a close friend. If you are in any danger of being abused or neglected, you can always call Child Protective Services. ChildHelp exists to help kids in abusive situations. 1-800-422-4453. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:55:28 +0000

What is the law in Michigan concerning teen parental rights? Can the parent of a 16yr old make her give her child up for adoption? What are some alternatives for a teen mom with unsupportive parents and no family to turn to?
Dear Lisa: In most states, the decision to give up a child for adoption belongs to the mother and/or father regardless of age. There may be exceptions to this depending on the circumstances.To read specific information regarding Michigan law, Google “Michigan teen parental rights.” There are public agencies & private organizations that provide services to teen parents, including housing and medical care if needed. Take a look at this government website for some information about teen parents and adoption:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/DHS_Program_List_207362_7.pdf
You might also speak with a family or juvenile law attorney. He or she would know what’s available in your area. Many lawyers provide free consultations for 30 minutes or so, just enough time to explain the situation and obtain some resources. Good luck.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Alice

Alice — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:30:01 +0000

I am 17 years old and pregnant my boyfriend is 18 years old. I love in Florida can he go to jail?
Dear Alice: If you are referring to statutory rape since you’re a minor, it’s unlikely that he has broken the law. Such laws are usually written to protect younger teens from relationships with older adults. Google “Florida statutory rape” for more information. Stay healthy for yourself and your baby.
(This is information only – not legal advice).

By: Sabrina

Sabrina — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:07:40 +0000

I was wondering what it will take to get my child back in to my custody. My parents have guardianship, and I would like full responsibility of him. What can I do to get the guardianship undone?
Dear Sabrina: If the guardianship was court-ordered, it will take a court order to modify or vacate the order. If you used a lawyer to establish the guardianship, contact him/her for information about reversing it. You could also contact the court to see if there is a list of lawyers you can call for advice. There are many types of guardianships and each has a process to change or end it. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].

By: Jessie

Jessie — Mon, 31 May 2010 08:11:23 +0000

Hi Judge,
I had some questions. Im 17 and had a baby. Just recently i signed guardianship to my grandparents. Not knowing that they’d not let me see my son. Or have anything to do with him for that matter. I’ll be 18 soon, i want my son back and i was wondering if i could just go to my grandparents and ask them back for my son. Will it be illegal for me to take him back?
Dear Jessie: Talk with your grandparents about your son’s return to your custody. Since you’ll be an adult soon and are his legal parent, you do have rights regarding his custody. Under the laws of your state, you may be able to rescind the guardianship you signed. Contact your local family court to see if they offer the public any legal advice regarding guardianship of children, custody and visitation issues. Many cities across the country have a Free Legal Assistance Program that allows you to receive advice from a lawyer for 30 minutes or so at no cost to you. Good luck.
[This is information only - not legal advice].