PDA

View Full Version : 16 and have a baby


magiciandamian
Jan 30, 2012, 01:26 AM
My fiancée is 16 and we have a 3 week old baby her dad wants to move her to phoenix witch is 5 hours away meaning I wouldn't be able to see my kid my mom believes that me and her both should finish our education and will help me take care of my fiancée and baby till I finish school and get a steady job is there anyway that we can make it so she can leave we live in Arizona her parents keep pressuring her to give up the baby for adoption I make money through what I earn from my mom and various side jobs... I need legal advice... I don't know if it matters but I'm 17 ill be 18 in one month

joypulv
Jan 30, 2012, 01:57 AM
In AZ the age of emancipation is 16, but she has to prove that she can support herself, has been living on her own for 3 months, or prove that her home environment is not good for her. She has to apply to the court for a hearing (which can take 90 days), and her parents are notified and are allowed to object. There are many hurdles to all this. The biggest one is money. You say you 'earn' from your mom?? Plus side jobs, and that is a clue that you have no clue what it costs to live. You aren't earning from her, because you can't possibly afford the costs she takes on to provide a roof over your head, food, clothes, medical care, school needs, and so on.
The court takes other factors into consideration too.
Neither of you should be calling each other 'fiance.' You are too young and not ready for this responsibility, which is largely financial.

ScottGem
Jan 30, 2012, 04:23 AM
AZ doesn't automatically emancipate a teenager due to having a child. So she is still under the control of her parents. And will be until she becomes 18, since it is unlikely she can qualify for emancipation.

She cannot give the baby up for adoption without your consent. Have you signed an acknowledgment of paternity? Are you on the birth certificate? If not you need to register for Arizona's Putatative Father Registry (ADHS: Division of Public Health Services: Office of Vital Records: Amendments and Corrections to Vital Records: Claim of Paternity (Putative Father Registry) (http://www.azdhs.gov/vitalrcd/amend_03.htm)). So you will have a say.

You will have to wait until your fiancée is 18 before you can marry and free her from her parent's control.

On a non legal note, it is good you are taking responsibility for your actions, but this could have been avoided but being more responsible about having sex.

kitashea
Feb 8, 2012, 10:10 PM
I don't think she can move across state lines with the baby without your consent but since you are both minors I am not sure. A lawyer will usually do a consult for free so I would advise meeting with one. Also make sure you have parental rights since you are not married.

Fr_Chuck
Feb 8, 2012, 10:15 PM
You need to get a court order for visitation and of course child support to pay for the child.
In your order for visits you can ask the court to include that she cannot more a certain distance away from you.