Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio
Parental rights in a teenage pregnancy
I have a 15 year old pregnant juvenile delinquent. A magistrate in the juvenile facitility told me that upon the childs birth, I as parent am legally responsible for the baby. What are my rights? Is it true that I will be forced by law to care for a child that is not mine? I am not financially well off.... and find it difficult raising my own 3 children. I have two other daughters who are the most well mannered children. They are being punished as well by my eldest actions, and I just want to know what I can do to protect their futures.
Thank you for your time.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Parental rights in a teenage pregnancy
A minor child cannot be held legally responsible for the welfare of another, not even a baby. After the birth, you need to find the father, get him DNA tested, and get a support order against him. You might also have your daughter put the child up for adoption.