Columbus, IN asked in Juvenile Law for Indiana

Q: if I'm 17 are my dad and step mom allowed to touch my personal property and things i have payed for myself

or things my mother has bought for me with her own money

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1 Lawyer Answer
John Mario Acosta Jr.
John Mario Acosta Jr.
Answered
  • Juvenile Law Lawyer
  • Valparaiso, IN
  • Licensed in Indiana

A: Based on your question, I can appreciate your situation being a young adult, but with that said you are considered a minor until you turn 18 and as such you can't own property. The property you speak of belongs to your parents or to those whom you live with. The property purchased by your mother would belong to her but if it is in their home then then can touch it and go through it. Furthermore, when you turn 18 and if you decide to move out and their is a dispute as to who owns the property you speak of without proof of ownership by you or your mother then your father and step-mother may be able to keep it, then you would have to small claims court to get it back but proof of ownership would be the key to getting it back. I hope this answer assists you with your situation.

Alexander Florian Steciuch agrees with this answer

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