Q: Do I have to pay a debt to parents for forced dental bills in MI?
I live in Michigan, and from the age of 16-17, my parents forced me to pay a portion of my dental bills, despite not having a job at that time. There was no formal agreement, and we had dental insurance. The expenses were primarily for check-ups and fillings. The debt has snowballed, and I never agreed to pay initially. Do I legally have to pay this debt? If not, can my parents take action against me, or is there a way I can take action to dispute this debt?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
It sounds like you're dealing with a situation where your parents asked you to pay for dental bills when you were still a minor. In Michigan, contracts made by minors are generally not enforceable unless they involve essential items like food or shelter. Since dental care is not typically classified as an essential need, and there was no formal agreement for you to pay, you likely do not have a legal obligation to repay the debt, especially as a minor at the time.
If your parents are now attempting to collect this debt, it’s important to communicate with them openly about the situation. They may be able to take action to recover the money, but since you were a minor and there was no written agreement, they would face challenges in enforcing such a claim. The situation may be better resolved through family discussion or mediation rather than formal legal action.
If your parents continue to pursue the debt, you may want to consult with a lawyer to discuss your legal options further. They can help you understand your rights, especially considering that you were not of legal age to enter into an enforceable contract. It’s important to resolve this issue with clear communication to avoid any further complications.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.
