Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in California

Teenage Pregnancy (living alone?)

I am 17 and a half years old and I just found out I am 4 weeks pregnant. I can't stay at home because my mom swore that the day I got pregnant she was going to make me regret it and I am actually afraid for my child's safety. Plus, It'd be a very stressful situation trying to live at my house and hide the fact that I am pregnant. So my first question is this... can I go and live with my boyfriend without their consent? And my second question is this... my boyfriend happens to be 25 years old, can he get into legal problems if they know it is his and when the child is born I put him down as the father? Or would it be better to not tell anyone, except him of course, that he is the father?

Thank you.


Asked on 8/08/07, 8:31 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Teenage Pregnancy (living alone?)

Look out for #1 (and #2). Contact the county bureau of child support and get a child support order and an order for medical insurance. If he is working, you might get enough to live on. If he has a job and is paying support, this will help him with the underage-sex thing. Also investigate the WIC program (free milk and cheese for your nutrition).

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Answered on 8/08/07, 8:51 pm
Michael Linardi Sacramento Child Advocates, Inc.

Re: Teenage Pregnancy (living alone?)

2nd part of the question - since you're 17 and a half, I agree with one previous response that you got - boyfriend isn't likely to be prosecuted, but he should be. You're 17 and dating a 25 year old. Maybe your Mom's big problem with you getting pregnant has to do with that age difference. I would wonder how long you've been dating a guy that is so much older than you, but you're going to do what you're going to do.

1st part of the question - most likely, yes. Unless you seek to emancipate early (which you may be able to do if you have a place to live and a source of income), your mother is still responsible for you until you turn 18.

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Answered on 8/10/07, 6:52 pm
Robert Mccoy Law Office Of Robert McCoy

Re: Teenage Pregnancy (living alone?)

Technically, your boyfriend has committed statutory rape, so it is a matter to be concerned about. However, if you are unwilling to testify against him, he probably will not be prosecuted. I also recommend you contact some of the several agencies that are available to assist teenage mothers in your situation. Look up pregnancy counseling in your yellow pages or on the internet for your county.

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Answered on 8/09/07, 5:50 pm


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