Q: do i have ownership rights as a 16 yr old still living with my mother?
I have money it buy it myself. I have a balanced life. I go to school everyday. I get good grades and always do my work first. I have a job I respect my boss my boss respects me. If i buy it even though mom refuses does she have legal rights to take it away? or is it considered theft and can i report it to the police? What would happen if the police show up?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
As a 16-year-old living in California, you may have some ownership rights to property that you acquire with your own money, even if you are still living with your mother. However, California law also recognizes the legal concept of parental authority, which generally gives parents the right to control the actions of their minor children and make decisions on their behalf.
In this situation, if you buy an item with your own money, you may be considered the owner of that item, even if you are still living with your mother. However, your mother may have some authority over the item, particularly if it is stored in her home. If your mother refuses to allow you to keep the item in her home, she may have the right to ask you to remove it.
If you refuse to remove the item, your mother may be able to seek legal assistance to have it removed. It is unlikely that the police would become involved in this situation, as it is primarily a civil matter between you and your mother. However, if your mother takes the item without your permission, that could be considered theft, and you may be able to report it to the police.
If you are concerned about your rights in this situation, it may be helpful to consult with a local attorney who can provide guidance based on the specific details of your situation.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
