Asked in Family Law, Business Law and Civil Litigation

Q: HiI am 18 years old.Can parents take their adult child money that he made (earn) by his own.

he made his money on the phone belongs to his parents and they pay bill of the phone (such as Internet costs.

he is just a little paranoid and want to make himself comfortable about money he keeps on his account.

Regards

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In most cases, if you are 18 years old and legally an adult, your parents do not have the right to take money that you have earned, even if they pay for your phone and related expenses. However, there are a few important considerations:

1. Legal adulthood: Ensure that you are indeed legally an adult in your jurisdiction. In most countries, this is 18, but it can vary.

2. Bank account ownership: If the bank account is solely in your name, your parents should not have access to it. However, if it's a joint account with your parents, they may have the right to withdraw funds.

3. Contractual obligations: If you have any formal agreement with your parents about contributing to household expenses, you might be obligated to follow those terms.

4. Parental support: If your parents are providing you with financial support, housing, or other necessities, they may have some leverage in terms of setting expectations for your contributions to the family.

It's best to have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your concerns and to establish clear boundaries and expectations regarding your finances. If you feel your money is at risk, consider opening a separate bank account that is solely in your name.

If your parents take your money without your consent and you believe it's illegal, you can seek legal advice. However, it's usually better to resolve such matters through open communication within the family when possible.

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