The Rights of Teen Parents

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Education for Justice

Last Updated

08/2024

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This fact sheet talks about what teen parents can and can't do when taking care of their child and themselves.

If I have a baby as a teen, am I automatically “emancipated” from my parents?

No, having a baby does not emancipate you. Emancipation means that you become responsible for yourself in certain situations and your parents give up control and custody. It does not mean you have all the rights of an adult. The rules about emancipation are confusing. If you live in Hennepin County and want more information about it, call the Youth Law Project at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (612) 332-1441. If you live in another county, call your local legal aid office at 1 (877) 696-6529.

See our fact sheet Emancipation.

Does having a baby mean that I can move out of my parents’ house?

No! You can only move out if you have your parents’ or legal custodian’s permission, are 18, married, in the armed forces, or have a court order.

If you are under 18 years old and move out, you may not be able to get MFIP, but there are exceptions. See our fact sheet, MFIP for Parents Under 18. Also, talk to your financial worker.

If you or your baby are being abused or hurt, you have special rights. Talk to a lawyer.

If I live at home, does my mom “own” my baby?

Who decides my baby’s last name?

What if someone hurts me or the baby?

You can call the police and charge that person with assault.

You can get an Order for Protection (OFP) telling the abuser to stay away from you and your baby. You don’t need a lawyer to get an OFP. Go to your county courthouse or a family violence office for help. Or you can call 2-1-1 statewide to find an office near you. An OFP can also set custody and visitation.

See our fact sheet Orders for Protection and Harassment Orders.

Find information and links to forms online at www.lawhelpmn.org/forms.

Find “Abuse and Harassment”
Click on “Order for Protection Against Domestic Violence”

File electronically or take the completed forms to the courthouse to file.

Getting legal advice can help. If you live in Hennepin County call the Youth Law Project at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (612) 332-1441. If you live in another county, call your local legal aid office at 1 (877) 696-6529.

Can I get medical assistance (MA)?

Most women with a low income can get MA during pregnancy. If you are on MFIP, you get MA automatically. MA pays for all doctor visits, emergency care, medicine, and delivery costs. If you can’t get MA, ask about other programs like Children’s Health Plan and Minnesota Care.

If you are under 18, living at home, and your parents’ income is over a certain amount, you may not be able to get MA. If your parents have medical insurance, check to see if you or your baby are covered under their policy.

If you are not a US citizen, you need to get more specific legal advice. In Hennepin County call the Youth Law Project at (612) 332-1441. If you live in another county, call your local legal aid office at 1 (877) 696-6529. Also, see our fact sheet Health Care for Noncitizens.

Can I finish high school if I have a baby?

Yes! Most schools have programs for young parents. Some have day care centers. Call your school district to see what programs can help you. The school cannot discriminate against you because you are pregnant or have a child. If you want to be in regular classes, they must let you.

If your school does not have day care, you can get a day care provider in your community. You can also apply for subsidized day care.

What does it mean to establish “paternity”?

What does it mean to establish “paternity”?

It is a legal process that decides who is the father of your baby. It is done in 2 ways:

Both parents can sign a statement called a Recognition of Parentage. Or,

If the father doesn’t sign the form, the mother or father can bring a paternity action in court. Your county’s “IV-D unit” (child support unit) will file a paternity action in court if paternity is not established. See our fact sheet Paternity and Child Custody.

Why is paternity important?

Once paternity is set, the child has the right to child support payments. When the father dies, the child can inherit from him. If the father dies or is disabled, the child may be able to collect Social Security benefits. Paternity is also important for the father. Without it, he has no right to visit or ask for custody of the child. If a paternity action is filed, talk to a lawyer.

If the parents aren’t married, who has custody?

Custody means control over the child. “Sole custody” means that one parent has control. “Joint custody” means that the two parents share control. If the parents aren’t married, then the mother has custody of the child unless a court decides something different. A court will decide physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes decisions for the child). For example, a court may order that the baby live with the mother, but that the parents share the right to make decisions. A court can decide custody in a divorce, a paternity case, an order for protection (OFP) case, or in a separate case.

What is parenting time (visitation)?

If the mother has custody, parenting time means the father’s right to spend time with the child. The courts now call visitation, “parenting time.” Once paternity is set, the father can ask the court to set parenting time. A court can deny visits, or place conditions on them, depending on what will be best for the child. If the father has parenting time rights, the mother must let him see the child, unless there is danger to the child. Either parent can go to court to change parenting time. See our fact sheet, Parenting Time (Visitation) and Parenting Plans.

Do all fathers have to pay child support?

Child support is paid by the parent who does not have custody of the child. It is paid to the parent who does have custody. It can be paid by the father or the mother. Support is based on the ability of the parent to pay and the needs of the child. If the parent is too young, in school, or has no income, the court does not order child support payments. But it can still order a parent to look for a job, get training or take other steps to help pay support in the future.

Help and Information

If you are a teen parent or will be a teen parent, and want more information about your rights, contact:

In Hennepin County:

Youth Law Project

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

111 North 5th Street, Suite 100

Minneapolis, MN 55403

Call: (612) 332-1441

Email: youthlawproject@mylegalaid.org

If you live in another county, call your local legal aid office at 1(877) 696-6529.

See our booklet, “Rights and Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents.” You can find it online at www.LawHelpMN.org

Type “Unmarried Parents” into the search bar

Click on the title “Right and Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents”

You can also get a printed copy from your local legal aid office.