Claiming my baby NOT the right thing to do?

Question

Okay so I'm kinda buggin out on this whole situation and I need somebodies advice. Okay this is the story:

Okay my girlfriends having a baby in January. Well, she lives with her parents and I live with mine. (I don't know if this is necessary but I'm 20 she's 18.) Well, We both haven't gotten our driver's License yet until yesterday she surprised me with getting hers 1st. Well, We were talking about income tax and then she told me that her mom was going to claim the baby. So this kinda got me mad. I mean, I work about 42 hours a week, my girlfriend doesn't work period. She says that her moms going to use it for the baby to fix the tile in her living room which and other useful stuff which I thought wasn't relevant to my baby's being whatsoever. Well, My girlfriend wants my mom to be in the delivery room when really I wanted to be there.

She did make a point that her mom was the one to take her to all the appointments ever since she found out she was pregnant. But I still feel since this is my child that I should be the one to get it that her mom should just really lay the F*ck off! I wouldn't want her mom doing this forvever so would it be right for her mother to claim the baby for the income tax this year or since I'm the father of this unborn child should I take it since I'm the one that GIVES her the money for her appointments and works? 10 pts for accurate & honest answers (Experience included if any)

Answer 1

yes please do tell them if you dont and one day you want to live with your girlfriend guess whose always going be in the middle of your arguments, desicions, dont let that happen.

your the father you should be very involved in this,

yes mom is gonna help her out with things you cant  

and yes you should claim the baby your the father

why not move in together into a small apartment

i got pregnant with my 4 year old when i was 19 and we made a point to live together.

you should spend as much time with her during her pregnancy as possible >>just imagine laying in bed with her at night when her belly is huge just feeling your baby roll around in there  

Answer 2

Unfortunately since you do not live together and your girlfriend doesn't work, her mother can and should claim her and the baby on her taxes since she is the one supporting the baby. When you begin making support payments, then you will be able to claim the baby on your taxes. Sure, the money should be used towards the child but really, they can use it for whatever they want.

You should both be in the delivery room if she wants her mother there too. if she only wants her mother, that's her choice too.

Answer 3

Well if the baby isn't born until Jan. then they won't be able to claim anything until they file their '09 return. If you and the mother are the main caregivers and YOU are paying child support. This is why it is important to get all this stuff figured out and cleared up before the wee one gets here. You guys can go ahead and contact your local Child Support Enforcement Division for advice and to let them know what's up. The thing is, IF Grandma is the main one supporting the child she CAN claim it if it lives with her, and what is done with the money is her decision at that point. MANY people use their return to do home improvement projects, buy luxury items or services...so that doesn't surprise me.

My best advice is that you and your Girlfriend need to be a team in raising your child. That means settle things like Dr, visits, holidays with family, supplies, care (and if you aren't living with them) visits for YOU with your wee one. This stuff can be really hard to deal with sometimes but if you both keep an open mind to do what's always best for your kiddo then you will all be OK.. The thing is, you guys have plenty of time to figure some of this stuff out together, and when you get the ideas solid, then you can present them to your families and all involved can understand how it's going to work.

It's GOOD that you are involved and concerned about the future, kids are a very rewarding experience even though it does present it's challenges. You'll do great Da Da!  

Answer 4

I really doubt that her mother can claim the child on her taxes.  It isn't like she is legally taking care of the child.  And as for you being in the hospital room...it is your child as well and you have the right to be in there.  

Answer 5

You are the adults (as young as adults you may be) and you are/will be the legal guardians of this baby (right?) so you should claim your baby. The money should also be put towards your baby, not irrelevant things.

Answer 6

First off I have three words for you, "GET A LAWYER!!"  You have parental rights.  If you are planning to support the baby you need to have YOUR rights and responsibilities written on paper.  

Second, unless the baby is born in THIS year, there shouldn't be any tax credit given this year.  That would depend on the state that you live in of course.  If the baby is born early then my suggestion would be to file FIRST if there is a credit.  Explain to your employer that you will NEED the W-2 for this year at the beginning of January.  I know from from experience that the first to file gets the credit.  The second gets the audit.  Again, your best option would be to get a lawyer to protect your rights.

Answer 7

Well first off you or the grandmother willnot get any money this 2009 tax returns cause the baby has to have a social security card for atleast a year befor you get a refund back! Second of all you are totally right you are the father paying the doctor bills and so on so you should claim the baby!!! You need to let your girlfriend know that you are the one who has been helping her therfor you should be the one to claim your baby!!!

Answer 8

You and her should pitch in and get a place together...if she moves out before the baby is born then the grandmother can't claim the baby....but if you have a job and she and you live together, you can claim, her and your baby.

Answer 9

You can't claim the baby unless the baby lives with you or you pay support and only then you can only claim the amount you give her.  As for wanting to be in the delivery room, I would say you DEFINETLY have the right.  If she doesn't let you, ask for DNA and don't sign anything until it's proven yours.

Answer 10

Honestly I don't even think it is possible for a grandmother to claim a grandchild unless she has sole custody.  If your girlfriend doesn't work then you are the next in line.  It doesn't matter who does what if you are the father then you are entitled to claiming it.  Call a Tax person in your area and ask if it's even possible for her to claim.  I don't think it is.  And if she can the money should go to the baby and needs for the baby NOT  a tile floor... what a poor excuse for a grandmother.

Answer 11

First, just know, this is the first time of MANY times you are going to mad at your girlfriend and your girlfriend's mother, because parenting is never easy, and grandparents tend to be a little overwhelming in the beginning.

You should talk to your girlfriend about the income tax, since you do work and she doesn't, you should be the one to claim your child.  I recommend getting your license (so you can take her to the appointments) or asking her now that she has her license to pick you up for the appointments if you're not working, and maybe start getting items (crib, playpen, clothes, toys, etc) for the baby, and recommend keeping some of them at your parent's house.

I'm not sure of the rules vary at different hospitals, but you and your child's grandmother should be both allowed in the delivery room. For my second child, I had my husband, my mother, and my mother in law all in the delivery room.

Seriously, sit down and have a long talk with your girlfriend, and find a way to resolve this, because once the baby comes, you guys are going to have your hands full. And, money will definitely be needed (income tax) .

Answer 12

Her mom may not be having the baby but she is taking care of her also...like another parent...and providing your girlfriend and future child with a place to live, food to eat, a car to drive, and plenty more as soon as the baby arrives.  However, she should have at least consulted with you since you are providing also.  Her mom is doing a lot so I can see why she would let her claim the baby.  She seems to be majority of her income and that's the least she can do since she is providing nothing.

I would have issues with not being in the delivery room really.  

Answer 13

If the baby is born in January then no one will be able to claim the baby for the 2008 tax year. Tax due in April of 2009 are for the 2008 year. So you or her mom would not be able to claim the baby until next tax year (due in April 2010). In the case of claiming an infant the main care giver usually claims the baby (such as the mom). You could possible take her to court, but even then the child's mother is usually the one to claim a child when the couple is not married. The important thing on the tax form is who is going to financial support the child? If you are/will pay child support that is a fraction of the cost of raising a child and does not entitle you to receive the tax benefit of claiming a child. Maybe her parents do not believe you will do your part in supporting the baby. So before and After your child gets here I would try to cover any and all expense they need you too, at least if they see you trying they may be open to the idea of you claiming the baby and splitting the money with your girlfriend. Of course if you want to be dirty about it you could always file your taxes first so they will not be able to use the baby as a dependent. You will need the baby's social and other info.  

Answer 14

I don't see why you both can't be in the delivery room. I understand why you would want to be there.

As far as claiming the baby. If your baby lives under your girlfriends mom's roof and is supported by her she has every right to claim her on her taxes. And use the money for what ever. Although it would be nice of her to put it toward the baby, she does not have to.

You should be paying child support when the child arrives. Go to the social security office and make sure it is on the books, then you can claim that money.