Six months ago, my then 17 year old daughter, began her "hopping" around from family member's residences. She is currently in her fourth residence during these six months and is now 18 years old. She is a senior in High School. When school started this year, she was 17 years old and missed the first 8 days of school. On the 9th day of school, she turned 18 and signed up for "online learning". I have repeatedly tried to work things out with her over the past 6 months, but it always ends up in an argument -- usually over money. I have offered to give her 300/month, but she wants more and is now taking me into the local Domestic Relations office. Not to mention, she is still covered by my insurance and is seeking unnecessary cosmetic procedures to try and stick me with those bill as well. This just doesn't seem right to me and I am at wits end worrying about all of this. Does anybody have any insight or information that they could share on similar experiences? Thanks.

What country and state/locale?
Generally a parent is no longer responsible for a child when they turn 18. You may want to check your insurance policy too. Giving a child who refuses to stay under your roof a large living allowance, and then that child reports you, may make you a caring parent but it may not be the best way to handle her.

Thanks joypulv, I am in Pennsylvania. I know what you mean, this situation has already divided a family. Family familiar to the situation, understand and support me, while others who only get half the story (my daughter's) have excluded themselves from me and think I'm a bad parent. I've had sole custody of my daughter and raised her since she was two years old.

First why did you allow her to HOP around, if she left where she was suppose to be, you call the police and have her dragged back. Sorry children don't run things.

Next she has you scared or blackmailed for some reason, you offer to "pay her" for gods name, stop the pampering and get tough on her, and tell her have a good life, and not to bother you again.

She is now old enough to be responsible for her own bills and her own life. She has obviously made the decisions to make her own decisions yet wants hand outs from you on top of paying other pills.

Time to let her fly the nest so to speak, she may fall many times but that will the only way she will learn how to deal with responsibility.

Is there any way of getting her off your insurance??
Taking me into the local Domestic Relations office, what do you mean she is taking you in?

Thanks for the response FR_Chuck. To make a long story short, my daughter and her step-mother did not get along, she first lived with her grandmother (my mother), didn't like it there, moved in with her biological mother, didn't like it there, then moved in with her maternal grandmother. I could have enforced my custodial court order, but under the circumstances (almost 18, threats, constant fighting with my wife and other siblings, etc.) I was giving in to her requests. Not to mention that the maternal grandmother and I have never gotten along and she is fueling the fire. Since my daughter is technically in school (online school), she was told that she can receive support from me until she graduates. I'm not sure the laws on dropping her, but am checking into it.

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Originally Posted by umwolverine

Since my daughter is technically in school (online school), she was told that she can receive support from me until she graduates. I'm not sure the laws on dropping her, but am checking into it.

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Whoever told her this is wrong. And now that she is 18 and responsible for herself because she made a choice she now has to live by it. Since she is in school yes you need to continue the medical insurance. But as far as paying the balance that is her choice. Most insurance doesn't cover cosmetic surgery anyway unless its reconstruction because of accident or illness. She is going to have a hard road ahead of her as she doesn't want to conform. Don't give in.

Thanks for the comments califdadof3 and JoeCanada76. That's exactly how I feel. It's a tough situation and I would love to have some closure, so I can move on and quit worrying so much. Thanks again for all the input, it has been great and much appreciated.