QUESTION
What rights do I have if I'm a 17 year old mother and the father is 18?
Asked on Feb 04th, 2014 on Child Custody - Illinois
More details to this question:
I'm 17 and a teenage mother of a 6 week old boy. His father is 18. What rights do I have for myself?
2 ANSWERS
Divorce and Family Law Attorney serving Hillside, IL
Partner at
The Law Office of Vincent C. Machroli, P.C.
1 Award
A skilled child custody attorney would need to discuss this matter with you in greater detail, & ask you many questions, in order to give you the complete, proper legal advice you need, & a quote to represent you. Schedule a consultation ASAP. Once the matter has been resolved to your satisfaction, you'll be glad you paid the money to hire an experienced attorney & properly protect your, & your son's, legal rights.
Answered on Feb 12th, 2014 at 2:35 PM
You are legally a minor unless you have been declared emancipated. As such your rights are limited. You can not commence any litigation on your behalf. A guardian must be appointed or one of your parent can file a suit on your behalf. As to the minor child, the child is yours. If Dad has signed a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity (VAP), then he is the father. If he has done so there is a presumption that you have custody, but he has an equal right to seek formal legal custody of the baby. If has not signed a VAP, they he is legally a stranger unless and until a court finds him to be the father. You may have a conflict with your parents as to the care of the baby.
Answered on Feb 10th, 2014 at 10:46 AM