16 & wanting emancipation

[SamMichetti]

I live in Florida, and I wish to be emancipated from my mother. I've lived with her all of my life, and I've lived with my step-father for 11 years. My step-father never legally adopted me. My biological father may or may not have legal custody over me; my mother won't tell me whether or not he does. I'm 2 months pregnant with my first child and I can't live here anymore, as I'm constantly treated like a leper for my young pregnancy. I'll let my parents see the child whenever they want once he's born, but as of right now, this isn't a healthy environment for me to be and it's causing me to resent my parents to the point where I want nothing to do with them, now or ever, if I have to stay here. I'm treated with nothing but hostility. I know that I need to have a parent sign off on an emancipation (even though I feel as if that defeats the purpose) so I was wondering if I could get my biological father to sign the papers even though he may not have custody of me and he lives in New Jersey. I would have a place to live, and have a job and can support myself and the baby.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Proserpina]

I live in Florida, and I wish to be emancipated from my mother. I've lived with her all of my life, and I've lived with my step-father for 11 years. My step-father never legally adopted me. My biological father may or may not have legal custody over me; my mother won't tell me whether or not he does. I'm 2 months pregnant with my first child and I can't live here anymore, as I'm constantly treated like a leper for my young pregnancy. I'll let my parents see the child whenever they want once he's born, but as of right now, this isn't a healthy environment for me to be and it's causing me to resent my parents to the point where I want nothing to do with them, now or ever, if I have to stay here. I'm treated with nothing but hostility. I know that I need to have a parent sign off on an emancipation (even though I feel as if that defeats the purpose) so I was wondering if I could get my biological father to sign the papers even though he may not have custody of me and he lives in New Jersey. I would have a place to live, and have a job and can support myself and the baby.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

The court isn't going to emancipate a pregnant teen - this shows the teen needs more, not less, adult supervision.

Plus in Florida, your legal guardian - your Mom - needs to petition the court. Not you.

 

[SamMichetti]

The court isn't going to emancipate a pregnant teen - this shows the teen needs more, not less, adult supervision.

Plus in Florida, your legal guardian - your Mom - needs to petition the court. Not you.

Then can I switch custody? I'm old enough to decide who I want to have custody over me. Can I just say that I want my biological father to have custody over me and then get him to petition the court?

 

[LillianX]

You are NOT old enough to decide, as far as the court is concerned. In Florida, the court can take your wishes into account, but it won't be the only factor they consider.

 

[Proserpina]

Then can I switch custody? I'm old enough to decide who I want to have custody over me.

No you're not.

Can I just say that I want my biological father to have custody over me and then get him to petition the court?

Reality check time.

Your Dad would need to file in court in Florida, and show a change in your circumstance (no, being pregnant isn't what I'm talking about) AND then convince the court that it's in your best interest to move out of State.

If Mom raises even the slightest objection, you're looking at a battle lasting at least a year.

By which point you will have given birth.

And then guess what? Your baby's FATHER can stop you from taking the baby out of Florida.

 

[sandyclaus]

I live in Florida, and I wish to be emancipated from my mother. I've lived with her all of my life, and I've lived with my step-father for 11 years. My step-father never legally adopted me. My biological father may or may not have legal custody over me; my mother won't tell me whether or not he does. I'm 2 months pregnant with my first child and I can't live here anymore, as I'm constantly treated like a leper for my young pregnancy. I'll let my parents see the child whenever they want once he's born, but as of right now, this isn't a healthy environment for me to be and it's causing me to resent my parents to the point where I want nothing to do with them, now or ever, if I have to stay here. I'm treated with nothing but hostility. I know that I need to have a parent sign off on an emancipation (even though I feel as if that defeats the purpose) so I was wondering if I could get my biological father to sign the papers even though he may not have custody of me and he lives in New Jersey. I would have a place to live, and have a job and can support myself and the baby.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

You SHOULD be treated differently due to the young age at which you have decided to become a mother. I'll just bet a lot of that hostility to which you refer is fighting and arguing about how you allowed yourself to become pregnant at the age of 16. If you were my child, I would be constantly reminding you about what poor judgment you showed by getting yourself into this situation. And just because you don't like what Mom and stepdad are saying is most certainly NOT good enough reason to ask a judge to allow you to become emancipated.

Time to grow up - and do it fast. Because very soon, YOU will become a Mom yourself, and will have to learn how to make the hard choices for your own child (whether you like it or not).

 

[TheGeekess]

OP, I suggest you use the search function and have a look at the threads pertaining to Florida in the Family Law/Custody & Visitation and Child Support forums. Time for you to realize just what you're going to be getting yourself into.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

I'll give you a clue. Just because your body is capable of procreating, does not automatically give you added intelligence or income. It usually indicates the opposite. Even some 10 year olds can become knocked up.

 

[SamMichetti]

Well thanks for no help. From anyone.
I just looked it up MYSELF, because apparently no one on this site knows anything about real law.
All I have to do is get married and my mother loses all custody. And OH GUESS WHAT, I don't need her permission from that since I'm pregnant. That's all I would have needed.

And I AM old enough to decide custody from my mother or father because I was already in court for that and I chose my mother rather than my father and the judge made it MY decision.

Next time I'll be sure to just ask a REAL lawyer rather than some sad, dried up people offering out "advice." Haha I guess this is why it's free. My bad for thinking I could get an actual answer. It's just SAD that a 16 year old can figure it out for herself. Laterrrrr.

 

[Proserpina]

Well thanks for no help. From anyone.
I just looked it up MYSELF, because apparently no one on this site knows anything about real law.
All I have to do is get married and my mother loses all custody. And OH GUESS WHAT, I don't need her permission from that since I'm pregnant. That's all I would have needed.

And I AM old enough to decide custody from my mother or father because I was already in court for that and I chose my mother rather than my father and the judge made it MY decision.

Next time I'll be sure to just ask a REAL lawyer rather than some sad, dried up people offering out "advice." Haha I guess this is why it's free. My bad for thinking I could get an actual answer. It's just SAD that a 16 year old can figure it out for herself. Laterrrrr.

Have fun with that, sweetypie!

You'll be here in approx. 12 months asking how to terminate your Baby Daddy's parental rights when he dumps you.

Seeya then!

 

[LillianX]

You may APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE in Florida if you are 16 and pregnant. You must bring proof from the doctor to a judge and a judge may issue a license at his discretion. It is solely up to the judge as to whether or not to do so.

 

[Proserpina]

You may APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE in Florida if you are 16 and pregnant. You must bring proof from the doctor to a judge and a judge may issue a license at his discretion. It is solely up to the judge as to whether or not to do so.

Lillian, you're so sweet for trying. Truly!

 

[Isis1]

You may APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE in Florida if you are 16 and pregnant. You must bring proof from the doctor to a judge and a judge may issue a license at his discretion. It is solely up to the judge as to whether or not to do so.

Actually. I posted state law on that. If OP read carefully (this is where reading comprehension kicks in) the law states you have to have parental consent under the age of 18. Bottom line. However to get married YOUNGER than 16, you have to have parental consent AND a doctor's note verifying pregnancy.