If you move out of of your parents house, can they stop you from going back and getting your stuff?
2007-04-26 05:49:20 · 26 answers · asked by Tom B 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It depends on what you mean by your stuff. A parent cannot stop an 18 year old from doing anything that concerns that 18 year old's life as long as they don't live under their roof....so yes you can move out.
Now as for property, anything you personally bought is yours....anything your parents bought for you...they can argue they bought it for your use in their house. So if you prove it is yours...then yes you can ask a sherrif to escort you in if they refuse to let you have it...if they bought it they have the right to keep it unless they agreed it was an unconditional gift to you.
2007-04-26 05:56:03 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. Luv 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You have heard the expression "possession is 9/10 of the law"? Unfortunately this is mostly true in this situation. In answer to your first question, No they cannot stop you from moving out. The second is a bit more tricky. If you don't have receipts or a way to prove you paid for the stuff at your parents house, and they won't let you come back and get it, then most likely your stuff is now their stuff. If you do choose to go to small claims court, just ask yourself if the stuff is really worth going. There are ramifications that you may not be willing to deal with. If it is worth it, then going to court can get your stuff but you may also not get anything and just be out a whole lot of money. The key to winning is the ability to prove that the stuff is yours. If you can prove it then you will most likely win. This same thing applies when you live with friends or a significant other. If there is a possibility that you might split on not so good terms, KEEP your receipts for EVERYTHING in a safe place (not in the house). Just some advice if you are moving in with friends, be sure to get and keep all of the receipts for rent, utilities, food, and any item you purchase. If things go wrong, you can always prove you did your part and what stuff belongs to you. I am sorry that you may lose your things at your parent's house. Hope it all works out for you.
2007-04-26 06:06:05 · answer #2 · answered by Denise P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, They cannot legally stop you from moving out.
If you have receipts on items you have bought, you could legally get your items with in a certain amount of time. (9/10 possession law).
Contact your local police department to see what you can do legally and what the 9/10 possession law is like in your area. Some places you have 1 month before someone else can claim your belongings.
If your parents had bought your stuff for you, they do not have to legally give it back to you.
2007-04-26 06:23:23 · answer #3 · answered by Erica, AKA Stretch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically The stuff in the house is not your stuff, because it was bought before you turned 18 and it "technically" belongs to the owner of the property. Unless you have proof you bought it yourself. You will have a hard time getting anything. If it turns into a domestic dispute a police officer or a Sheriffs officer can be present to discuss the situation with both parties and can relive most of the stress of the situation.
2007-04-26 05:59:46 · answer #4 · answered by dielibralsdie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are 18 and you move out of your parents home there is nothing they can do about it. If you move out they would not be responsible for your actions, bills, etc...If your parents will not let you get your stuff then you could call your local police dept. and they could send a policeman to your parent's house with you when you pick up your stuff.
2007-04-26 06:07:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really but it can be uncomfortable for you and them. They could say they bought it they own it. Try talking with them. It is better to leave on good terms. Sometimes it's hard for parents to "let go" as we tend to think of you as our babies. We can be over protective and rather smothering at times but we only want the best for you. One day you'll have children and will understand. I wish you well in your new life.
2007-04-26 06:00:22 · answer #6 · answered by lucyshines49 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, they can't do anything to legally stop you from leaving, but they might try to keep you out if you go back to get your stuff. If you got the guts, call the cops and have them accompany you. They'll make sure your parents let you get your things... that is if they don't try to claim that all your stuff is theirs because either, they bought it for you or you used their money to buy your things... good luck with all that...
2007-04-26 05:57:06 · answer #7 · answered by Marques K 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only way they could prevent you from moving out would be to get a judgement of incompetency against you. Otherwise, you're an adult and can do as you wish.
They can throw you out and change the locks. But, I don't believe they can keep your personal property although you may have to sue them to get it back.
2007-04-26 05:54:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They might be able to stop you from coming back in the house but not leaving it.
2007-04-26 05:59:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They cannot stop you from leaving or retaining any property which belongs to you. Did you pay for this stuff or your parents? If your parents paid for it, it is their stuff not your stuff. If you paid for it or can show it was given to you as a gift, you are entitled to that property.
2007-04-26 05:56:19 · answer #10 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋