Legal Question in Family Law in California

Parental financial responsibility for prenatal care for minor
My daughter ran away when she was 17 1/2. I reported it. She was adopted by me and it turned out that the investigator had reason to believe she was with her biological mother which later I found out to be correct. My daughter was pregnant at the time. During this time, She consented to her own medical treatment for prenatal care. A year later, I am being contacted by a collection agency regarding unpaid medical bills. They say I am a responsible party. I called the hospital where my daughter received treatment. Found out that the bill is for lab work only and they DO NOT list me as a responsible party because my daughter consented to her own care. Am I correct in interpreting CA Family Code as stating that if a minor over the age of 15 consents to their own medical treatment for prenatal care that a parent can not be held financially responsible? If I am, how do I get the collection agency to stop coming after me and to remove this from my credit report? It is the only blemish on my credit and is adversely impacting my credit score and ability to get low interest loans. I cited the family codes involved when speaking and writing to the collection agency but they state that since she was a minor, I am responsible. Is this true?

Asked on 7/15/04, 10:36 am

Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

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Re: Parental financial responsibility for prenatal care for minor

If they do not remove this from your credit record and stop attempts to collect contact an attorney and if necessary sue them.

Answered on 7/16/04, 2:06 am

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