minor parent/grandparent issues

[fatbear]

Does a grandparent have any parental rights over the child of their minor child? Basically, the situation I'm referring to is one where at 17 year old girl recently gave birth to a child. She is currently living in her mother's home and would like to move out as it is an unhealthy environment and her mother is not allowing the father or any of his family visitation of the child. She fears that her mother will attempt to take her child if she moves out. Does this grandmother have any rights to that child over the minor parent? From the research I have attempted to do, I have found statements from both Georgia and New York that the minor parent has rights over the child and the grandmother does not, but I am not sure if that is the case in Missouri. Please help, she needs to get out of this situation as soon as possible, but does not want to lose her child in the process!

 

[ohiogranny]

As far as I know, you're right - any parent has rights to the child, the grandparent does not unless a court gives them to them.

I'm not sure if mom can legally move out of her mother's home until she's 18.

Dad should be encouraged to file for paternity/visitation/child support so he can have the same rights mom has.

 

[irish223]

When she turns 18, she can legally move out of her mother's house without her mother's permission. Until then, her mother is in charge. The 17 year old has responsibility for her child, but her mother has responsibility of her.

Has paternity been established? Does the father have a court order for visitation and support? If so, then visitation can be enforced through the courts. If not, then neither he nor his family has any right to see the child, and the minor's mother has every right to refuse to let her daughter see the boyfriend.

 

[tygrwlf]

What are the emancipation laws in Missouri? That may be an option, and in some states (NC is one I believe) DSS will even help the teen get emancipated.