Do you remember the last time you really stopped to think about the issues you were having with your family members? It isn't always easy to work through problems, especially when you are left focusing on your own issues. However, with the right focus, you can completely streamline your relationships, making things a lot better in the long run. I started thinking more and more about different ways to identify and tackle family challenges, and it really paid off. I started really enjoying my time together with other people, and I was really impressed with the difference. Read more about better family relationships here.
The Center for Disease Control reports approximately 229,715 babies were born to girls 15-19 years old in 2015. While many young women who have unplanned pregnancies choose to keep the children, some may want to put their babies up for adoption but are concerned they must get their parents' permission first. The good news is that most states don't require minor mothers to get their parent's consent to put their babies up for adoption. However, here are two issues you do need to be aware of when you choose this option:
Some States Do Require Parental or Court Consent
The vast majority of states allow underage mothers and fathers go through the process of putting their kids up for adoption without needing parental consent; however, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island are the few states that do. If you live in one of these jurisdictions, your mother or father must also sign consent forms agreeing to release their grandchild to adoptive parents.
In other states—Connecticut, Kentucky, Montana, Missouri, and Washington—the court will appoint legal counsel and/or require an adult to be present during the adoption proceedings. The purpose of this is to ensure the teen mother understands her rights and is not being coerced into giving up her baby against her wishes.
Even if you live in one of these states where you do need parental consent to give up your baby, you are generally not required to engage your parents in your decision if you are an emancipated minor, since the emancipation process essentially severs your parents' legal rights and responsibility to you. If this is something you want to pursue, it's best to contact a family law attorney for assistance.
Fathers Still Get a Say
While your parents may not get a say in your adoption plans, the biological father of the baby still has the right to say yes or no. Adoption severs the parental rights of both parties, so the law typically requires you obtain the consent of the baby's father before the adoption can be approved.
While it's possible to go through with the adoption without the father's permission, particularly if you're unable to locate him, be aware that you and the adoptive parents are taking a risk. The father can return at a later date, sue for custody, and take the child away from his or her new parents. He could then sue you for damages or, at minimum, get a child support order against you.
If you're having trouble getting the appropriate permissions, or aren't sure how to handle your adoption case, contact an adoption counselor who can provide advice and assistance. You can contact companies like Arizona Adoption Help LLC for more information.
Share4 April 2018
