Can I forfeit my parental rights or voluntarily emancipate my daughter?

Full question:

My daughter is 16 years old. She refuses to follow my rules, is on probation for drugs and doesn't come home unless she feels like it. Am I able to forfeit my parental rights? Can I voluntarily emancipate her?

  • Category: Minors
  • Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
  • Date:
  • State: Minnesota

Answer:

In Minnesota, there is no specific emancipation statute. However, you can seek to terminate your parental rights through the juvenile court under certain conditions outlined in Minnesota Statutes 260C.301.

The court may terminate parental rights either voluntarily or involuntarily. You can voluntarily terminate your rights if you provide written consent and demonstrate good cause. Involuntary termination can occur if the court finds that:

  • You have abandoned your child.
  • You have repeatedly neglected your parental duties, such as providing necessary care.
  • You are unfit to care for your child due to specific conduct or conditions.
  • Your child has been in foster care and reasonable efforts to reunite have failed.
  • Your child has experienced egregious harm while in your care.

For further details, you can refer to the relevant statutes (Minn. Stat. § 260C.301).

If you are considering these options, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional who can guide you through the process and implications.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

If your 16-year-old refuses to come home, it's important to communicate openly with them. Try to understand their reasons for staying away. Establishing clear rules and consequences may help. If the situation escalates, consider involving a counselor or therapist. In some cases, you may need to seek legal advice if their behavior poses risks to their safety or well-being.