[JFugazzi]

Hello Everyone

We found out recently that our 16 year old niece is pregnant. My wife and I have 2 children through adoption and after some discussion decided to offer my niece the option of letting us adopt her child. We figured it would be a win win situation for my niece and the child. We talked to her directly and she thought it was a great idea and told us that if she does choose adoption it will be us.

Now the problem we are having is with my nieces mother (my sister). She called me tonight saying that she should have been consulted and that she will raise the baby if necessary. She is a single parent herself and for some strange reason kicked my niece out of her home when she found out she was pregnant and hasn't really been any support at all. My niece is currently living with her boyfriends parents.

Sorry about all the background info. My question is does the mother of a pregnant minor have any say legally in what she does with the baby? Also has anyone else here adopted a family members child, and if so how did it work out?

Thanks

Joe Fugazzi

[tobeafamily]

In most states, birth emancipates a minor child, enabling them to be treated legally as an adult.

A parent cannot legally compel a pregnant child to terminate, parent or place. When this child is born, only it's biological mother and father can decide to parent or to place. Grandparents have no legal say, cannot sign consents on their behalf or deny consent. The only exception is where the biological parents are found mentally incompetent, which is rare.

From a family perspective, I'd involve the services of a mediator - an unbiased third party - to assist you all in resolving this situation.

HTH JMHO

Regina

[NDN]

A mediator may be a good idea, however, I noticed that you said "if" she places. I know that you would love to raise the child, but PLEASE don't try to sway her decision on this. She needs her family to do whatever possible to support her as a mother and, if she wants to parent, please be there for her as her mother is not.

[JFugazzi]

Thanks NDN...We definitely aren't trying to force her into anything. We just offered adoption as an option for her, nothing more and bruised her mothers ego in the process. If she decides to be a parent then we'll just gear up to help her in any way we can to take care of the baby, finish her education, and get a good start.

Joe