I am a Midshipman in NROTC and my ex girlfriend has informed me that she is pregnant. We do not intend on getting married or being together (for personal reasons). Her current intentions are to keep the child when it is born, and I will not be seeking custody of the child in any capacity, however I will be listed as the father on the birth certificate. Basically I will just be paying whatever child support I am legally required to. I am currently on a national NROTC scholarship. Once the baby is born will I lose my scholarship, and if so will I be removed from the program?
NROTC and Pregnancy
- Thread starter navop326
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Not an easy subject and in the end, this is a talk you should have with your CO. Service academies forbit midshipmen and cadets from having dependants, but that's not true with OCS, and I'm not aware if it is true with ROTC.
Beyond the implications in your NROTC unit, you also have legal obligations, so you may need to get information about that...
Beyond the implications in your NROTC unit, you also have legal obligations, so you may need to get information about that...
Pima
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I agree with LITS, talk to your det. I know several AFROTC non-scholarship female cadets that were able to remain, but I believe the reason why came down to custodial issues. Their parents were given guardianship. Plus, they were 6 -9 months out from commissioning.
I know also several AFA grads that consulted with an attorney and didn't have an issue. It cost them money, but here is what they did:
Your parents would request grandparental rights, and would agree to pay X amount in child support. They would be on the financial hook, and it gives you the opportunity to see your child in their home.
Their(your) name was never place on the birth certificate until they commissioned. The mother was okay with it because the main concern is financial and health care.
Upon commissioning and the birth certificate change, the child was enrolled in DEERS as a military dependent. This is the health insurance coverage.
JMPO, and 0.019864 cents, but try to discuss this with her, and explain in the long run for your child's sake this is a great financial option for her because if she places your name on the certificate, you will most likely be dis-enrolled. How will you pay for child support?
~~~~ Your parents may say your stipend is now her child support. Pay it to us, and we pay it to her.
I do believe it is very clear cut regarding dependents on scholarship, and the answer I believe is the scholarship will be revoked. Doesn't mean dis-enrollment per se, just means no money.
Another reason to talk to attorney that specializes in family law. 2K bucks to do the paperwork so she feels confident from a financial view, is worth it when it comes to the cost of the scholarship.
Again, may be wrong, but I believe you will lose the scholarship if your named on the birth certificate.
I know also several AFA grads that consulted with an attorney and didn't have an issue. It cost them money, but here is what they did:
Your parents would request grandparental rights, and would agree to pay X amount in child support. They would be on the financial hook, and it gives you the opportunity to see your child in their home.
Their(your) name was never place on the birth certificate until they commissioned. The mother was okay with it because the main concern is financial and health care.
Upon commissioning and the birth certificate change, the child was enrolled in DEERS as a military dependent. This is the health insurance coverage.
JMPO, and 0.019864 cents, but try to discuss this with her, and explain in the long run for your child's sake this is a great financial option for her because if she places your name on the certificate, you will most likely be dis-enrolled. How will you pay for child support?
~~~~ Your parents may say your stipend is now her child support. Pay it to us, and we pay it to her.
I do believe it is very clear cut regarding dependents on scholarship, and the answer I believe is the scholarship will be revoked. Doesn't mean dis-enrollment per se, just means no money.
Another reason to talk to attorney that specializes in family law. 2K bucks to do the paperwork so she feels confident from a financial view, is worth it when it comes to the cost of the scholarship.
Again, may be wrong, but I believe you will lose the scholarship if your named on the birth certificate.
Addendum
Just to be clear, I will be seeking to terminate my parental rights upon (or before) the birth of the child. I'm not looking for visitation or to be involved in raising the child in anyway. This is a mutual decision between me and the child's mother.
Just to be clear, I will be seeking to terminate my parental rights upon (or before) the birth of the child. I'm not looking for visitation or to be involved in raising the child in anyway. This is a mutual decision between me and the child's mother.
USMCGrunt
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Agree with other posters. This should be discussed with your unit. I personally know of some midshipmen who lost their scholarships due to dependent children but it was because they lied about it on their paperwork.
I did a quick search on this and came across CNSTCINST 1533.2 dated 2 JUL 07 (which seems to be the most current version). Chapter 6, section 2 has the following:
"There are no restrictions as to marital status or gender of the candidate. However, any single parent who has custody of dependent children must present a dependent care plan which allows full attention to service responsibilities during initial training periods and subsequent duty assignments. Single parents must be advised that individuals accepted for naval service are required to maintain a high degree of commitment to
professional responsibilities, and exemptions from personnel policies or preferential treatment for duty assignments are not to be anticipated."
You also signed a contract that involved personal conduct stipulations. Your judgement could be called into question.
Sadly, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. I am sure there are procedures, guidelines and advice your Cadre can provide.
Good luck
I did a quick search on this and came across CNSTCINST 1533.2 dated 2 JUL 07 (which seems to be the most current version). Chapter 6, section 2 has the following:
"There are no restrictions as to marital status or gender of the candidate. However, any single parent who has custody of dependent children must present a dependent care plan which allows full attention to service responsibilities during initial training periods and subsequent duty assignments. Single parents must be advised that individuals accepted for naval service are required to maintain a high degree of commitment to
professional responsibilities, and exemptions from personnel policies or preferential treatment for duty assignments are not to be anticipated."
You also signed a contract that involved personal conduct stipulations. Your judgement could be called into question.
Sadly, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. I am sure there are procedures, guidelines and advice your Cadre can provide.
Good luck
This is a pretty sensitive subject I'm not trying to insinuate anything or pretend I'm a lawyer here. But I've known guys in college who were in similar circumstances. And if there is any shadow of a doubt on your end, I would recommend getting a paternity test before accepting any legal obligations that come with fathering your ex-girlfriend's child.