Legal Question in Family Law in Kentucky

Well, she can petition the court for leave to get married, she doesn't necessarily need your permission if the court approves it. And her chance of success is up to the judge in your jurisdiction, so posing this question to a local attorney is a better option.

Perhaps, though, you would be better off meeting with counselors, rather than lawyers, to resolve these issues. The reality is your 16 year old child is no longer a child. She is about to become a mother and her childhood is over. And while I personally feel that pregnancy is a really crummy reason to get married at any age, I can't argue that there are probably still good reasons for doing it. She may be able to articulate those reasons to a judge and get her marriage license. Married or not, she has a difficult road ahead for her. As you well know, being a parent is difficult at any age, it will be especially tough for her. Seeking counseling will help both you and your daughter come to terms with what's happened, and help her make the decisions that will be best for her and her child. But keep in mind, they may not be decisions you will agree with.

But ultimately, if she's going to do it, you may want to be the one to give her leave to do so, rather than having to go to court. You can let her know you don't agree with her choice, but still support her. You might even be successful in convincing her to postpone the marriage until they're certain they're doing it for the right reasons, if she feels you are respecting her feelings. And while the odds are not in their favor for a lasting marriage, I've also met plenty of people who got married as teenagers whose marriages were very successful, celebrating silver and golden anniversaries. And who never quite got over the fact that their parents objected to their marriage, or worse, weren't at their weddings.

It may have been a lifetime ago that I was a teenage girl, but I do remember that the one sure-fire way to make me do something was to have my mom tell me I couldn't do it. That's the nature of the teenager: passionate, fearless, rebellious, and utterly and profoundly oblivious to the consequences of their actions. Which is exactly why she's pregnant at 16! So, get help from a counselor before anyone does anything drastic. I really think a counselor will help you achieve your goals better than any lawyer.

Talk to your family doctor to get a referral to counseling services and also inquire as to what public services may be available for her in assisting with her pregnancy and as a young mother. There is support out there for teenage mothers, which she will definitely need.

I wish you, your daughter and future grandchild the best of luck and happiness.