Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona
I am 15 years old and have a baby with an a boy that is 18. We were 14 and 17 when we first met and were just friends for about a year before becoming sexually involved. I had told him that I was 16 at the beginning and did not tell him any different until I found out I was pregnant. He is threatening me that I may loose custody of my baby because of this. In a situation where I take good care of my child, we live with my mom and it is a clean and healthy environment. I am fininshing school and have been the primary care giver of this baby since the day she was born. He has done nothing finacially and has spent 1.5 hours with our 3 month old, and refused to put his name on the birthcertificate at the time she was born. What are the legal consequences of my lieing to him about my age and how can this impact my relationship with my child?
2 Answers from Attorneys
The court makes decisions regarding custody/parenting time "in the best interests of the child." The fact that you lied about your age should not, in and of itself, affect the court's analysis of the child's interests, and the fact that you have adult assistance in caring for your child helps to offset any concerns about the fact that you are so young. His voluntary lack of involvement certainly doesn't strengthen his case.
I would not expect that your AGE in and of itself will rule the matter. Instead, the case will be about what kind of MOM can you be, even at your age, and what kind of ENVIRONMENT can you provide for the child with your family's help.
I assure he will have just as many questions ot answer about his age and yours at the time of conception.
We can certainly help you consider and then pursue your options for paternity, custody, parenting time and child support. This is obviously a very important matter, and you should not go in alone.
One of our attorneys can explain the issues and procedures better in person. As you can imagine, there is too much to cover via email. We offer free 1/2 hour consultations, in which we can discuss your matter in detail.
Please call us directly to discuss the specifics of your matter, or contact my assistant Alicia or my paralegal Jennifer to schedule your free 1/2 hour consultation.
/s/ Rich J. Peters
R.J. Peters & Assoc., P.C.
1422 North 2nd Street, Suite 100
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
602-254-7251
facsimile 602-254-1229
see our website at www.familylawaz.com
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