Trussville, AL asked in Child Custody, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Alabama

Q: Daughter is 16 and pregnant by her 17yr old boyfriend. His parents are threatening to take the child away from her.

His parents are threatening to take the baby away from her (when the baby is born) if she stops seeing him. He is verbally and emotionally abusive towards her, has exhibited controlling behaviors towards her. She believes they can do this based on what they told her a police friend told them they could do. Her health, physical and mental is suffering because of this, yet she refuses to break contact because of their threats. What can they do and what can we do to protect our daughter and her unborn baby?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: If you wish to discuss this matter off line please feel free to contact me. This type of adult on child abuse makes me very angry and I would rather not air my feelings on this subject here as some may find it offensive. To start with the ages, depending on the birth dates involved, do not preclude the entire conception being a crime committed by the offending parent's child. Second, a grandparent (of the father or the mother for that matter) cannot "take a child away" from the parent without specific proof of unfitness. It may be time that everyone involved head down to the courthouse and establish some official rights and responsibilities including the right for said 17 year old to get a job and start supporting his child rather than his parents attempting to control the situation by stating what they (who have no standing whatsoever) will do.

Pamela J. Fero agrees with this answer

3 users found this answer helpful

A: I'm not licensed in Alabama, so I will not offer any advice other than this: never take legal advice from a police officer - see an attorney. And definitely do not take legal advice from someone saying "this is what the police told me." Especially in domestic situations. Please, take Mr. Oncale up on his offer to speak with you offline (or contact an attorney of your choosing). Your daughter needs you to help her stand up and protect her, and you need someone to help you do that.

2 users found this answer helpful

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