Legal Question in Family Law in California
underage paternity responsibilities
My 16-year-old son has told us that his 15-year-old girlfriend is pregnant. Besides the paternity test, what are his responsibilities is this situation, and what are ours as his parents?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: underage paternity responsibilities
The parents of a minor are not financially responsible for the support of a child of the minor. The minor father and mother do not need to be emancipated. They have the rights of a parent and if they have income they would have financial responsibility. The grandchild can often be covered the by the grandparents medical insurance.
Re: underage paternity responsibilities
He needs to get a job and emancipated, otherwise, parents are responsible for the intentional unlawful acts of their minor children. If the parents of the girl chose to press the matter, they may seek civil relief against you. Contact me directly.
Re: underage paternity responsibilities
His obligation is to assist in the support of the child and to assist in the costs of the birth of the child. You do not have a legal obligation yourself, however, it is common for the paternal grandparents to assist the father so that he can finish school. Good Luck, Pat McCrary