If you're a parent of a teenage girl who has recently become pregnant, you may be thinking about more than just the legal aspects of her condition. But after the shock wears off and reality starts to set in, it is very important for you to understand the rights and responsibilities of your daughter and the father of her child. Why is this so important? Colorado Springs family law attorneys are often consulted about custody issues and child support for teenagers who choose to keep their baby, but unless you have personally dealt with these issues yourself, you may not be familiar with the family court system in Colorado. What are our rights?
Colorado Springs family law attorneys often recommend a consultation for parents and their teenage daughters once a decision is made about the pregnancy. If you expect to be involved in raising the child on a day-to-day basis, you should be familiar with the father’s right to custody and start to think about a parenting plan for the child.
If your daughter does not plan on marrying the father, he must be made aware of his financial responsibility to support the child until the age of emancipation. A family law attorney can meet with everyone involved, or with the families individually, to work out the details of custody and child support. A lawyer may also be helpful in the establishment of paternity. This would be a good time for the parents of both parties to meet and discuss their expectations and concerns.
On the other hand, if your daughter elects to give the baby up for adoption, or have an abortion, Colorado Springs family law attorneys can explain the rights of the father under Colorado law with regard to these decisions. If the mother and father of the child disagree about whether they should raise the child, an attorney can recommend counseling options in your area. Depending on her age, you daughter may also need your consent if she chooses to have an abortion.
If your teen is pregnant, contact the Colorado Springs family law attorneys at the Marrison Law firm to learn more about the legal aspects of raising the child, including child custody and support.