Introduction
Are you a young person or a parent navigating the complexities of legal rights and responsibilities? This guide is designed to help you understand key legal concepts, including adoption, name changes, care, marriage, civil partnerships, and parental responsibilities. If you have questions or need support, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to assist you. With Contend, you can easily access the legal help you need to resolve any issues you may face.
Navigating the legal landscape can be tricky, especially for young people and families. This guide breaks down some important legal concepts and rights that young people should know, including adoption, name changes, care, marriage, civil partnerships, and parental responsibilities.
Who is Considered a Child or Young Person?
In legal terms, a child is anyone under 14 years old, while a young person is someone aged 14 to 17. A parent refers to someone who has parental responsibility for a child.
Adoption Rights
If you are under 19, you can be adopted as long as the adoption application is made before you turn 18. However, if you are married or in a civil partnership, you cannot be adopted.
As a child, you may not have much say in who adopts you, but the adoption agency or social services will consult you about the process. If you are under 18, you do not have the legal right to know your birth parents’ identities, but once you turn 18, you can request access to your birth records. You can also register with the Adoption Contact Register to potentially reconnect with birth relatives. For more information, visit GOV.UK.
Changing Your Name
You can only change your name when you turn 16. If you are between 16 and 18, you might need your parent’s permission to change your name. If you are under 16, an adult can change your name on your behalf. To learn how to change your name legally, check out GOV.UK.
Local Council Care
If you are under 18, you can only be taken into care with a court order from the local council. You have the right to know why you are in care and how long you will be there. If a parent requests it, you can be accommodated without a court order, but the local council should consider your wishes. For more information about living in care, visit the Childline website.
Marriage and Civil Partnerships
In England and Wales, you cannot legally marry if you are under 18. If you were married in a country where the minimum age is 16 or 17, that marriage will not be recognized in England or Wales.
Similarly, a civil partnership is a legal relationship that can be registered by two people, but you must be at least 18 to register one. For more details on marriage and civil partnerships, you can visit the official government website.
Young Parents
Mothers Under 16
If you are a mother under 16, you have the same legal rights and responsibilities as any other mother. If you live with your parents and they are claiming Child Tax Credit, both you and your child can be included in that claim. You may also be eligible for Child Benefit once your baby is born. For more information on benefits, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat for guidance.
Fathers Under 16
If you are a father under 16 and are having difficulties maintaining contact with your child, you can apply for parental responsibility. Additionally, if you earn money or receive benefits, you will need to make maintenance payments for your child.
Wills and Legal Documents
If you are under 18, you cannot create a valid will unless you are in the armed forces or a seafarer. No one under 18 can be a trustee, executor, or administrator of a will.
Where to Get Help
If you have questions about your rights or need legal advice, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Their highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial for young people and families. If you have legal questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Contend for assistance.
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