Child Custody Question?

Question

So I have a situation (it's not my situation).

Let's say there's two teenagers. We will refer to them as "Max" and "Belle". So Max and Belle have s*x and Belle ends up pregnant. After some long thinking by both teens they each come to a decision. Belle's is to give up the baby for adoption.

Of course it is pretty much up to her at this point since she is the once carrying the baby. BUT, Max has fallen in love with his unborn child and upon the babies birth wants to be the babies father. Belle, on the other hand, doesn't want this.

What would the steps Max would have to take to earn custody of his child? Would the court even grant a seventeen year old custody of a baby?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

its the womans choice especially if they were never married

Answer 2

yes if he has a job he SHOULD be raising his child ..even if he is on Welfare the unborn baby deserves to have the love of his biological daddy..adoption isnt all "good people" alot of kids get screwed up people adopting them. sexual abuse born again lunatics..and basic abuse

Answer 3

Get a lawyer - FAST.

'Max' has rights - but be aware that the adoption agency that she may be working for - will try anything to get this child for adoption - as they can make loads of money from an adoption.

They'll make nothing without that baby.

He is the father - legally he should be allowed to parent.

I wish 'Max' and his child all the very best the world can give.

Some real facts about adoption -

http://www.cubirthparents.org/booklet.pd...

Answer 4

He needs to talk to an attorney, he is the father then he has rights to that baby

Answer 5

He would have to check in his state for some sort of registry in order to establish that HE is the father. He also most likely will have to be able to prove his intentions were to provide for teh mother and child throughout her pregnancy.

Answer 6

Belle cannot give the child up for adoption without the father signing off. If she wishes to  sign off the father would be granted custody. Yes a 17 yr old can have custody.

If  she keeps the child he can still fight her for custody but the chances are slim of him getting it.

Answer 7

Potentially so.  In my understanding the father has to sign away parental rights in order for the adoption to proceed smoothly-the problems really come when the parents give up the child for adoption and then change their mind later.  If Max wants to be the custodial parent for the child he should get a good family attorney and go to court-he has a shot at least.

Answer 8

So Belle wants to give the baby up for adoption but Max wants to be a responsible adult and take care of the baby?  Belle does not want this why?  Because she does not want the baby so he cant have it ether?  Sounds a little selfish!  Yes he does have rights.  And as long as the father 17 or not has a way to provide for baby and everything a judge will honor the father before adoption.  Judges would rather see children with there parents before other options.  Unless the parents are horrible ones!

Answer 9

If he is the father he has a legal right to the baby, he could have the mother release custody to him, instead of putting the baby up or adoption. I believe both parents have to consent to adoption. So if he doesn't want to, they can't go behind his back and give up the baby.

Answer 10

As the birth father he has rights in any state. As far as the court granting him custody, it would be helpful, because he is 17, that he has some relatives,(parents, grandparents etc) that will assist him with the raising of the baby. This will show the court that he is serious and he has a STABLE environment with consistency in which this child will grow up. He can fight the adoption ( because I believe he has to sign off on the adoption, which he isn't going to do!) and the court will probably grant him custody.

Answer 11

Yes the court will grant a 17 year old custody if he has a stable place to live meaning you live with a parent who is stable and has a cleaning and safe living environment.  They will screen your home for this and if everything checks out and your parents are willing to help you support the child you are pretty much guaranteed  your child.  Not even the mother of the child can give up the baby without your consent.

Answer 12

Max could talk to his parents about taking custody of this child until he is able to fully take care of the child, it will be difficult but he isthe biological father and has rights too.

Answer 13

He has to check the state for a registry to put his name on saying he is the father and the sooner the better.  Keep in contact with the mother.  Offer money for the child and make sure there's a record of all contact.  Probably get a lawyer too.  If this stuff isn't done before the baby is born you're probably out of luck.

Answer 14

In my opinion....I would say that if Max, since he is 17, and his parents were to fight for the baby, I wouldn't understand why the courts would not allow him to have the baby. He and his parents should get a good attorney to make things a little more easy on them. If Max were my son, I would be right there with him and fight for the baby, no matter what it took.

Answer 15

""Max" needs to register with the "PUTATIVE FATHER REGISTRY" in his state (and every other state that has one if he wants to be really safe) IMMEDIATELY.

"Max" should show support for the "Belle" during the pregnancy by attending any medical appointments (if she will allow him to come) and helping her pay medical costs associated with the pregnancy and delivery.

He should be present at the delivery (if possible) and SIGN THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE.

He should keep records of his actions, interactions with others involved, and any and all paperwork. (IE: Receipts, letters, phone logs, etc.)

"Max" should have a plan for parenting his child and a healthy and able support system. (Parenting classes, etc.) KEEP RECORDS!!

I would also suggest that "Max" retain a lawyer and get assistance through his local social work program. (DSS, WIC, etc.)

"Max" has every right to raise his child and receive assistance to do so from "Belle" (child support, etc.).

Try running a Google search on "Natural Family Preservation".

Also get in touch with some Father's Rights Groups. Fathers for Justice (F4J) does great work!

GOOD LUCK, "MAX" & BABY!!!

PS: I hope that if "Max" does gain custody that "Belle" will eventually come around and be a positive part of her child's life and that "Max" will encourage and allow this!