Q: Can my parents take my stuff i buy with my own money i worked for-My dad threatened me with a knife n beats me wi paddle
I am 16 years old and I buy my food and phone with my money and my parents keep taking it when it arrives so i was wondering if they can take my stuff even tho i buy it with my money. Also My dad threatended with a knife when i backed him up because he got close and he was heated and my counselor told me to try and decress the heat and i did bu then he pulled a knife onto me. He and my mom also beats me and my lil sister with a paddle that he made out of plywood and drilled holes and he thinks hes playing baseball he says grabs your ankles and he thinks hes playing baseball. Any help? And I'm adopted so I need help.
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- Georgia
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A:
I'm saddened to hear this is occurring in your household. Abuse of any kind is absolutely never condoned by the law. If your dad is chastising you by striking you with foreign objects or makeshift weapons, you should contact the authorities including your local police and local department of family and children services also known as DFCS.
Your parents are within their legal rights to confiscate/take away any items for which they have clearly prohibited you from purchasing at this time. Most often parents realize what is in your best interest. The food you are purchasing may be bad for your health and you may be expending unhealthy amounts of time on your phone especially if the time is not contributing to improving your education or mental health.
Within the constraints of the law, the general rule is minors are not able to enter into contracts i.e . sign an agreement for a mobile phone. You have not stated there is an issue with how the phone was bought but simply your parents take your phone. Again, they may apply any form of reasonable discipline so long as it is in your best interest and does not rise to the level of criminal behavior. Speak with your school counselor. They are mandated reporters of child abuse.
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