Legal Rights of Teenage Parents

The rewards of being a parent do not come without challenges. Teenage parents can face many additional challenges, including disputes about marriage, paternity, and child support. This article is intended to give you the information you need to make informed decisions for the well-being of your children.

Every situation is different. Laws about teenage parents and teenage parenting vary greatly from state to state. If you have any questions about your situation, contact a local family law lawyer for legal advice.

What are the Legal Rights of Teenage Parents? 

Teenage parents have the same legal rights as adult parents. Your parental rights include the right to make decisions for your child, the right to get support from the child’s other parent, and the right to custody of your child. Sometimes, minor parents experience challenges protecting these rights because they:

• Are financially dependent on their parents
• Have school obligations
• Are often unmarried
• Are often unable to enter into legal contracts like apartment leases

Can Teenage Parents Get Child Custody? 

Yes, teenage parents get custody of their children. The standard that courts use to determine custody is based on the best interests of the child. This means courts must consider and weigh multiple factors, including:

• A parent’s ability to provide a loving and stable environment
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The health and safety of the child

A teenage parent is not automatically disqualified from custody. An adolescent parent does not have to prove that they deserve custody. However, teenage parents often face challenges to custody and challenges in proving that parenting time is in their child’s best interests. 

What are the Legal Responsibilities of Teenage Parents? 

Your legal responsibilities as teenage parents are the same as those of adult parents. You must: 

• Provide for your child’s physical, emotional, and financial needs
• Secure appropriate housing
• Secure child care
• Ensure the child’s education
• Provide for your child’s medical care, overall health, and welfare

Failure to meet these obligations can lead to legal consequences, court challenges, and the involvement of child welfare services. 

What Resources are Available to Help Teenage Parents? 

Most areas have several resources and programs to help teenage parents. These may include educational programs. Many school districts offer programs to help teenage parents complete their education.

State and local government assistance may also be available. This includes social services programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to help with food and nutrition needs. Medicaid may also cover health care for both the parent and child.

You may be able to access free parenting classes. These classes provide valuable information on child development, health care, and effective parenting strategies. Counseling can also help you navigate the emotional challenges of parenthood and the complexities of their relationships. 

What are the Challenges Faced by Teenage Parents? 

Teenage parents face several of the same challenges that adult parents do not. These extra challenges can impact your ability to fulfill parenting responsibilities and lead to more legal challenges. If you feel overwhelmed by challenges, contact local resources or a family law attorney for help. Unique challenges teenage parents face include:  

• Financial dependency: Many teenage parents depend financially on their parents. This can complicate visitation and custody arrangements, health insurance, and child support.
• Medical decisions: Teenage parents must make medical decisions for their child while also being in the custody of their parents. This can create problems.
• Education: Being a teenage parent can disturb a teenager’s education. In most states, teenagers must go to school until they are 16. But even after 16, finishing high school or getting a GED and continuing education is a good idea, so you have more employment opportunities and can enjoy financial stability to improve your and your child’s life.
• Social: Teen parents will also experience a disruption in their social support networks. Pregnant minors may even face judgment and stigma around teen pregnancy. All of this can affect your mental health and self-esteem both as a pregnant teen and as a parent.

What Are the Laws for Teenage Marriage? 

Laws regarding teenage marriage vary by state. Most state laws say you have to be 18 to get married. If you are under 18, you may need parental permission or a court order to get married. Laws limiting the ages for parental consent vary by state.

How Can a Lawyer Help Teenage Parents in Family Law Cases? 

Attorneys representing teenage parents must balance their responsibility to advocate for the teen with the best interests of the child. An attorney must also understand and appreciate that teenage parents are still developing and will likely require extra support in addition to more sensitive legal counsel.  As a teenage parent, you have rights but also face additional challenges. Contact a local family law lawyer for legal advice if you are a teenage parent facing legal challenges.