Q: I live with my step-parents I'm 16 i work and pay for my own stuff
So I got grounded and my step parents took my vr and my phone that i paid for myself . Also they take my paycheck and put it in there bank account and only gives me $100 dollars out of each paycheck which i think is ridiculous cause I worked hard for that money what can I do....about that can I sue them to get the money that I earned back
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A:
The status of step-parents has different meanings for different people and forums.
A legal step-parent, is a parent because the parent figure has ADOPTED the step-child. This creates the legal status of the child as if s/he was the natural-born child of the step-parent. Thus, that parent has the same rights and obligations as a natural parent.
In TX if a child lives with his parents, they can discipline the child, establish curfews, and limit or require, the child's participation in school programs, sports teams, extracurricular activities, work, income and savings, and many other parts of the child's life. As long as the parent is not harming the child physically or mentally or emotionally, then any reasonable mandate or limitations of the child's activities, would be supported in any court.
However, if you have not been adopted by either of the step-parents, and neither is your natural parent, you may object to their discipline or other home-rules, and you can move-out, say no to any rules and keep your paycheck. But that might land you on the streets homeless.
Please be careful about what you ask for, you just might get it. Talk to a lawyer who knows Family Law. A lot of attorneys will see you for a free consultation.
Freedom and independence are great, but there are always costs, and consequences for all your actions. If you do want to move-out or move-on, get your High School Diploma FIRST. You will be glad you did so.
I hope this helps.
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