Teens and the Law: You and Your Family
Did you know that 189 countries, including the United States and Canada, have signed a Declaration of the Rights of the Child?
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
Do I need a guardian if my parents die?
A guardian is a person who takes the place of your parents. He or she has the same responsibilities as your mother or father, including caring for you and your social, educational, and medical needs. ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
Can I keep what my uncle left me in his will?
A lot depends on the nature of the bequest, your age, and your level of maturity. For example, if you′re nine years old when Uncle Austin leaves you his car, it may sit in the ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
What if my parents die without a will?
If your parents die with a will (testate), their property goes to those persons, organizations, or causes named in the will. The law doesn′t require that parents leave everything—or even anything— to their children. Property ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
What is a will? Can I write one for myself?
What is a will? Can I write one for myself? Because of your age and active life, the idea of a will or inheritance may be the last thing on your mind. There′s always the possibility, ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
Can my parents keep me from watching certain TV shows?
There′s an ongoing debate about the effect of media violence on young people. Numerous studies indicate a strong relationship between media exposure and the increasingly aggressive behavior and attitude of some teens. Young children in ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
Can my parents force me to follow their religion?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees all Americans freedom of religion. This isn′t limited to adults. Children and teenagers enjoy the same right, which is balanced with the fundamental rights of parents to ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
Who has the right to discipline me?
“You can′t tell me what to do.”“I don′t have to—you′re not my parent!” “If you touch me, I′ll call the police!” In the heat of an argument, you may say things like this to a ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
Can I ‘divorce’ my parents?
In 1992, a Florida boy named Gregory K.* got a court order terminating his mother′s parental rights and giving him the legal right to become part of a new family. His birth father didn′t contest ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
Do my parents have to support me after they get divorced?
Child support is a hot issue. Headlines scream &lquo;Deadbeat Dad Jailed,”and names of nonpaying parents are displayed on billboards and wanted posters. Law enforcement officials plan sting operations and holiday arrests. What′s it all about? Why ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
If my parents get a divorce, will I still get to visit my grandparents?
Visitation is a big issue that gets decided in every divorce case. It starts with your parents. If your mother is given sole custody, your father will be granted visitation rights. Likewise, if your father ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
What is kidnapping?
Kidnapping is defined as knowingly restraining someone with a specific intent to do something. This may be to collect a ransom, use a person as a hostage, or have someone do involuntary work. Other intentions ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (2)
What happens to me if my parents get a divorce?
If your parents get a divorce, it doesn′t mean that they′re no longer your parents, or that they no longer love you. Children are not the cause of their parents′ divorce—and they have no reason ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
What is foster care? How long does it last?
Half a million children live in foster homes, group homes, emergency receiving homes, or child-crisis centers across the U.S. Twenty-four percent of these children spend between one to two years in out-of-home care. There are many ...
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You and Your Family, Q&A (0)
What does adoption mean?
Under special circumstances, you may receive a new parent or parents. If your parents die, for example, or agree to let someone else raise you, the court may allow that person to adopt you. Most ...
