Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
Rights of 18 year old
The teen in question is quiet, sweet, respectful, does not use any substances at all, has no boyfriend to mistreat her parents and no means of supporting self. Was adopted and mother will not provide SS#, birth cert., even insists child have no contact w/parents friends. I read an email from mother (not sent to me) re: suicidal thoughts; makes me think mom is mistreating child (18) out of her own mental problems.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Rights of 18 year old
In this case, the child should obtain an attorney to assist her in getting these minimal pieces of information. And, although I am the attorney who rather bluntly asked these questions, and have concerns about the ability to force parental support of a non-disabled adult, I would be happy to discuss the issues with the adult in question, pro bono publico (i.e., foot in mouth provides free advise, possibly free representation).
Re: Rights of 18 year old
As an 18 year old, she is an independent adult and technically the parents are not obligated to support her. However, she is entitled to get this basic information. She also may be entitled to other things based on the parents representations as part of the adoption.
If her parents have lived in the same county her entire life, her adoption file should be accessable at the Probate Court for the county in which they lived at the time of the adoption.
There are also some local pro bono groups that help adopted children. Please feel free to have the child/adult contact me.
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