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Xtal64 · Nov 25, 2008, 11:25 AM

My 16 year old daughter refuses to follow my rules stating that she will not be 'controlled' and when she is 17 - in 38 days - she will be moving out. My question is, if my child voluntarily moves out before age of 18, am I obligated to support her financially. She is still going to school and since she does not have a job - and probably no intention of getting one - I fail to see how she will have money to eat at school. I know that she will eat outside of school because she intends to move in with her boyfriend's family however I want to be very sure of my right to refuse to pay for her lunch if she does not live with me. In fact, I do not want to support her financially in any way after she leaves. She has been very hostile toward me and my younger son for at least the last two years and, personally, it will be a relief to me if she does move and I'm not being vindictive but I will not reward her for the last two years of turmoil that she has put me through now that she is finally getting her way in not being 'controlled'.

lesha · Nov 25, 2008, 12:23 PM

Well I'm so sorry to hear your daughter is causeing so much trouble for you... unfortunalty that is a teenager for you! And when she gets older she will regret those days and hopefully you guys will have a better relationship :) Just tell her you live here and I will take care of you. Let her know if she is going to try and act like an adult she needs to become an adult and get herself a job and pay for the things she needs herself. Moving out is her own doing so she will have to find her way through life... And I'm sure she will see just how hard it really is and how she probably shouldn't have treated you so badly and will end up wanting to come home! Then maybe she will shape up! :) Well best of luck to you!! Hope all goes well!

Fr_Chuck · Nov 25, 2008, 12:27 PM

First with the exception of a couple states ( in the US) she can not just "move out" at 17, she can still be reported as a run away and forced back home.

Yes you are still liable for your child till they are 18 and can be held liable for her actions in civil law suits.

And you can merely tell the boyfriends family that if they let her live there you can charge them with interfering with custody if you want.

So you would need to be paying them for her support, housing food and supplying for her needs still.

Personally I would show her what real control was, perhaps a boot camp.

Alty · Nov 25, 2008, 12:29 PM

As far as I know you would still be responsible for her support until she turns 18. It's not the boyfriends parents job to pay for your child.

I'm not sure of the exact law, also it depends on where you live, but from what I've read, until your daughter is 18 it's up to you to pay.

Good luck.