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Children and the Law
The law has a special place for children and minors. This topic covers the laws designed to protect children from abuse.
7,815 Questions
Can you legally change your daughter's last name to your own without her father's consent?
In many states, the courts allow a "family" name change so you can change both names at the same time and only have to pay one filing fee. In other states, you would have to file separately and pay two filing fees. If you have to change them separately, the parents can file for their minor child.
At what age in PA can a child be left home alone unsupervised?
It depends on your definition of child. Some nine year old individuals can be responsible when left alone. On the other hand there are 17 year old individuals that can't be left anywhere alone. Still, I am a firm believer that if you have to ask a question like this, your not ready to leave any child alone. All it takes is one disconnect for something to go terribly wrong.
There are certain qualities that make a person a great leader. Some of these qualities includes the ability to delegate, having a sense of humor, confidence, and commitment.
How could i move out at 17 without my parents permission if I'm not eligible to get emancipated?
The laws vary a bit from state to state, but in most states an 18 year old is considered an adult and can move out at will. Check the specific laws in your state.
No your parents really don't have a say in the matter.
Should minors be tried as adults for first degree murder?
Asking whether anything should be done is an opinion question and does not change what can or will happen. Depending on state laws and the judge, minors can be charged with 1st degree murder. In most cases, they're not, but the closer they get to 18, the more likely it is that they will be. Judges can also impose additional charges and restrictions even if the minor is not tried as an adult, such as ruling that the murder stay on the minor's record permanently.
CommentsYes, they should be. Why? Because even younger than 14 many children know in this generation that the law can't touch them and most likely will get a slap on the wrist (first offence) or house arrest at best. Murder by the young is rising in leaps and bounds and the justice system is giving them light sentences if any at all. What about the victim(s) and their family(s)? What about the police putting their lives in jeopardy every single day that arrest these children and before the ink is dry on the paper the children are walking down the front steps of the police station with smirks on their faces! As the quote goes, 'You do the crime, you pay the time.'Children from a very young age know right from wrong and the old excuse of 'I was abused' to 'my parents hate me and so do my friends' is getting far too worn out an excuse as is 'psychological disorders.' Every adult criminal in prison on murder charges has psychological disorders! There are many children treated just as badly or worse that do not commit murder or even attempted murder and become good citizens.
In British Columbia, Canada society has had enough. We've watched as the police chased down young teens that murder; drive-by shootings (taking innocent victims along with the gang related shootings); children killing children and children killing parents; drag racing and killing pedestrians and they have absolutely no remorse. A case just was heard on our news a few weeks ago where three young teens (for no apparent reason ... and they admitted it was for kicks only) beat a young man so severely with baseball bats and ended it with an ax in the back of his head and now he is a paraplegic for the rest of his life. All of that young victims hopes and dreams are gone. To many of us that is just as much murder as if that victim had died. The judge let the three teens off on 1 year house arrest, report to their parole officer weekly, etc., to the awe of spectators and the best mistake these teens made was laughing in the elevator because they got off and knew they would (tried as juveniles.) The last laugh was on them because it was picked up on tape and sent to the judge. If the judge wasn't going to do anything more about it he had no option, but to do so as it leaked out to the media. There was a social out cry from citizens and many would have loved to have finished the job off on these teens with their own baseball bats. The judge had no recourse, but to have a retrial and hopefully these three teen boys will get what they so deserve.
Adult prisons should have segregated areas from prisoners who are minors, but the minors get the same treatment and follow the same rules. They need psychological counseling and to continue their education, but serve their time as an adult! Like wildfire the word would get around that if you get caught for attempted murder to murder or kill someone with your vehicle by your own stupidity that you will pay the time in prison! I bet it would take a year or less and you'd see the crime rate drop by a large percentage.
Also the old excuse of 'it's a fact prisons do nothing for the criminal' and the criminal system doesn't work is partially right. The prison system needs to be changed! There are far too many liberties in prisons (TV, computers, etc,) although there is nothing wrong with continuing your education. Clifford Olsen that killed many children during the late 1960's to the mid 1970's was finally caught and is in a segregated part of the prison serving a life sentence. He has access to the computer and to make phone calls and just recently I read where he is still stalking and mocking the families of his victims and explaining how he killed their children. Now one would ask how this is possible. Gee, if you're given access to an unmonitored computer (as proven) and you can make phone calls and have outside help to find the phone numbers of the victim's families then it's possible. Where is the Warden? Where are the employees of that prison to monitor all letters leaving and entering that prison and why aren't the phone conversation monitored? Prisons need to be cleaned up of Wardens not doing their job trickling down to unsavory guards doing favors for the prisoners. Not ALL Wardens or guards are like this, but there is at least one rotten apple in the bunch and that's all it takes. Reconstruct the inside of the prisons so young offenders are safe, get psychological help and get an education. Never mind the TV's and unmonitored computers. Access to libraries is permissible.
If the parents of these children were around to bring them up properly and be aware of where their children are and see their mood changes and be on top of it and get them the help they may need then SOME of these teens would be saved from committing further crimes such as assault/battery to murder.
It's time to stop being bleeding hearts and that should be reserved for the victims!
Here is a quote I just heard tonight and I think it hits the nail on the head:
'It is easier to build strong children then to repair broken men!'
I believe that it should be a law I know from former friends that they have done some pretty stupid stuff that put other peoples lives in danger. I think that they should be tried as adults on half of the stuff they do. I also believe that any minor should be tried as an adult if that minor commits murder. If our Legal System does not punish them like a adult that is just going to show them that there actions are ok and that they are free to do it again.
Why would parents get divorced?
parents can dicorce over many reasons, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or any type of abuse period. Maybe even in time the other person shows their true colors and the other finds out who the really are.
Can a child of 18 leave home if they are not self supporting?
In most cases child support ends at the age of majority, which in all but four states is 18. Alabama and Nebraska 19 and Mississippi and Pennsylvania 21. However, the support order issued by the court is the order that must be followed even if it is conflict with the state statutes pertaining to the issue at hand. Many child support orders include stipulations as to the child leaving the custodial parents home and responsibilities of the parents in regards to educational issues.
I'M in the same situation. I was told that the spouse is not held responsible for your child even if she is married to your child's father and he isn't supporting the child. Eventually he will get locked up and his license will get suspended.
AnswerNo, you have no legal obligation to support the biological child of your spouse. However, depending upon what state you live in, property owned jointly can be subject to a lien or seizure for back support payments. Whether or not a marriage took place between the biological parents is irrelevant when it pertains to the support of the child/children. That is based on the assumption that paternity was established to the satisfaction of the court or the father voluntarily accepted the parental obligations.Is there a curfew age for minor in the state of NC?
NC has no statewide curfew laws.The laws are made at the local level. Only Charlotte and Jacksonville have curfew laws on the book. Under the new rules, the curfew depends on age. For kids 12 and under they must be home by 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week.
For children 13, 14 and 15 the curfew will be at 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week.
Is it legal for a 17 year old girl to date a 21 year old boy in the state of New York?
First of all, it's never technically illegal for anyone to date anyone, the laws in place are about sexual contact. However, in New York state your relationship (whatever contact happens, so long as it is consensual, and does not involve non-humans or corpses) is ok by the state of new york. Seventeen is the new york state age of consent, so don't worry about it http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/qanda/blageofconsentchart.htm
In 2009, 7,882,590 lived in Virginia.
Almost eight million is the current estimate.
Almost eight million.
Can one parent take a child out of the state of Texas without the consent of the other parent?
No, you will need the other parents and the courts permission.
Should juvenile offenders be punished or rehabilitated?
It depends on the severity of the crime. There are documented cases of juvenile homicides. The Church party line was if the culprit was under the age of 7, the church age of reason, he had no latent criminal capacity and the whole thing would be booked as a tragic accident, above 7, however the child crime culprit was subject to the administration of juvenile justice, reform schools, Youth Houses, etc. Again, there is a whale of difference between fireworks or wayward baseballs, and deliberate homicide with firearms, knives, etc. One must balance mercy and tolerance with the very real n eed to isolate ( incarcerate if necessary) Dangerous delinquents who may indeed pose a violent threat to the community at large- such as firearms homicides.
How long does a father have to sign the birth certificate?
The mother must be of course. Yet, if the father can not be then no, or if you don't want the father to sign he does not have to.
In Michigan when a child is born the mother fills out a form. The mother is asked if she is married and instructed based on her answer what information is needed. Paternity is established through court. If you are married or the father accepts paternity it is a legal matter. I'm still amazed at people stating the father signed the birth certificate. In Michigan there is no place on the certificate for any signature outside of the doctors.
What rights does a father have if he pays child support?
Probably legal fees and the back child support (if any) that you owe. * TPR petitions are not for the purpose of a parent to be relieved of obligations to their minor children. The judge makes the decision as to whether or not a TPR will be granted and to what extent. Such matters are decided on what is in the best interest of the child and not on the preference of parents or any other interested party. A TPR petition cannot be filed when there are arrearages in child support that has been ordered by the court.
What is the minimum age for court marriage of bride and groom in india?
In india most of the time your parents decide who you marry so if they want you to marry someone at age ten then you will marry someone at age ten, its up to them although most likely they wont make you get marries at such young age it is possible.
What are the rights of a minor who is in the custody of the state?
It depends on which state you have become an award of. As a former ward of the state of Nevada I had all of the same rights as any other child. If I had a grevance, there was a process I could go through as well. It may be more benifical if you were to supply more information on your state and circumstances, I may be able to help you further. Age also plays a part, some states offer imancipation and if you can manage that, imancipation is making you a legal adult, responsible for yourself and able to get married. The minor has the same restrictions as does any minor in any state. The terms of the state custodial order determines whether or not the minor is directly under the control of the court, has an appointed guardian, or is under the supervision of the state's child protective or family services division. Minors who are under a direct order of the court need the courts approval for all major issues, such as changing residence, school, employment, medical, etc. and are usually appointed a Guardian Ad Litem.
Can you move out of the house at age 17 in Tennessee without parental consent?
No, the law does not define such actions as abuse to the extent the minor may arbitrarily leave the custodial home. If the minor believes themselves to be in a situation of abuse and/or neglect he or she should contact the state's division of child protective services or, National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453 or 1-800-252-2873 The teen might also want to visit the website of Teenline Online, a site staffed by teens to aid other teens in finding a solution for their problems.
Mothers signing off do they have to pay child support?
The father should contact the clerk of the court where the support order was enacted for information on how to rectify the situation. Even if the mother has agreed to stop support payments it is not legally binding until the court issues an order stating such.
If the father is in arrears he will most likely be obligated to pay the amount before the court considers ending support obligations. Likewise, if the support payments have been made through the state's social services it may not be possible for the mother to or father to engage in the action canceling support obligations.
How does a father relinquish rights in MN?
If you truly mean rights (such as visitation), you can just walk away. However, In Indiana, a father cannot "relinquish" parental obligations such as support unilaterally. This is true unless something else happens such as the mother remarries and her new husband legally adots the child or the child becomes legally emancipated. Otherwise, you sre stuck, so to speak, with the obligations of a father until the child is an adult. Interesting to note that the woman can relinquish her obligations to a child before (abortion) or after birth (adoption) but that in no state does the father have any post-conception decisions.
When a child turns 18 years old does a father have to pay for his school?
Dont thinkso, the kids 18 it can get money and pay for itself
Can a 14 year old work at Utah?
Yes, at 14 you can work in Utah, up to 20 hours per week, but not after 9:00 p.m. on school nights and not past curfew on weekends. I last checked on this a few month ago but I don't think the law has changed. You can Google employment of minors Utah state code. and it's all there. Some types of jobs are considered to be too dangerous or hard labor and you can't do those at 14 at all. (Like coal mining. Also using a meat slicer in a deli, for example, and quite a few other things you might not think of.)
Can brown eyed dad and hazel eyed mother make blue eyed baby?
Yes, absolutely. Hazel eyes is the combination of the blue and brown eye color gene. For instance, a blue eyed mother and brown eyed father could have a hazel eye colored child. So that means all hazel eyed children can have a brown eyed child because they carry the brown eyed gene in their DNA from their father, in this case.
What is the legal age for a child to be left alone overnight in the state of GA?
10 or older but at least 10-11.
"Georgia law makes it pretty clear. Between the ages of 9 and 12, you can leave a child alone for up to two hours. Age 12 and up, no more than 12 hours at a time." - NBC Augusta.com There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages for children home alone, but many state agencies have published guidelines. Georgia, Illiniois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with specific ages mentioned in their laws.
12 years of age appears to be the most common recommendation. Below in Related Links is an article entitled Home Alone Children Legal Age Limits which provides a state by state comparison with references.
One guideline from a California child welfare representative suggests that 8 year olds and over can be left at home for a brief period of time (usually just after school).
Can an unmarried mother leave the state of Florida with the child?
In many states there is a law that prohibits a single mother from leaving the state with a minor child. There are exceptions to this rule if the father of the minor child agrees to let the child be moved out of the state.
