Is this legal to do?

Question

My parents have taken around $200 dollars from me so they can put it in my bank account. I have no say in this and I am fifthteen years old. Is there legal because I am under age? Or do I get to sign something that lets me have a say with my money? Is there a way where I can get my money back because this is kind of like "stealing" because I did not give them premission to put in somewhere where I do not want it to be put in.

Thank you

Edited around 30 mintues after posted,

The money that I worked for is my own. I had a summer job and I wanted to take out that much from my paycheck and I did. Now they took it from me and they are putting it in another bank account where I do not have access too, unless and I an adult with me and passport, SSN, etc. I am just annoyed that I do not get a say in this and how they are taking my money and putting it somewhere where I cannot access by myself. I agree that the rest of my paychecks can be deposted into my bank account for saving it. But I just want to spend some of it.

Also, people that are teeling my to shut up and stuff, I do not hate my parents. I am just mad that I can't even use my money that I worked for. Try putting yourself in my position. If you were a teen and you worked and got money, you want to spend it. But you parents won't let you have any of that, but for the future.

Answer 1

As noted above, they CAN do this. The key for you is to influence them so that they don't do this, even though they can. Hopefully you haven't already thrown a fit and stormed off to your room crying... it's hard to come back and negotiate from that position. Start by acknowledging the importance of saving for the future, but remind them that seeing immediate rewards for your hard work will help keep you motivated and focused on the job. See if you can get them to agree to a percentage of each check which will be allocated to "Fun" versus savings. Perhaps you could even volunteer to take over paying a bill or two (your cellphone?) in exchange for the ability to spend a similar portion of your check on fun stuff.

Answer 2

I don't know about the legality of it, but it seems like a great way for a parent to build resentment and mistrust with their child.

Of course, there are probably other factors to consider. Was it money that you earned, or a gift? If it was a gift, did the person giving the gift tell your parents that they wanted it to go into a bank account for when you get older? Are they really 'stealing' it from you or safeguarding it and you are upset because they aren't doing what you want?

On the face of it, it seems unfair, but have you really shared the whole story or do you just want people to agree with the way that you feel about the situation?

Added note: As you have added more details, I wanted to give an expanded response.

Whilst I feel that it is reasonable for you to want to keep some of your earnings to spend how you want to, from a legal point of view (I spoke to a friend who is a lawyer), your parents may do whatever they want with your earnings. I know that it's unfair, but that is how the law stands at the moment.

Answer 3

You say they put it in YOUR bank account? There wouldn't be anything illegal about that because if it is your account, then you have access to it (though it may be inconvenient). If they had simply taken the money away from you with no intention of you ever getting it back, that might be stealing but it depends on other factors and you would need to find out the law in your area.

Answer 4

Their intentions are probably good, but are disrespectful of you, and counter-productive towards their ultimate goal of teaching you to save some money for a "rainy" day.

If I were you, I'd keep my future earnings hidden in a very secure place, away from moisture and mice (who will shred bills to make a nest).

If they know you're earning money, and insist that you save some of it, do so, but on your terms, not theirs. You can learn to be responsible with money, and if you demostrate that, maybe they'll trust you.

FWIW, a friend of mine began saving money when he was young, and by the time he was about 21, he had enough for a down payment on a house. Then after a few decades of flipping houses and renting some of them, he retired early, with a very nice income from those rentals, and the capital gains he made from the flips.

If you learn to avoid spending every penny you earn, you too can be financially comfortable in the not too distant future.

Answer 5

I think at fifteen, your property legally belongs to your parents unless it's in a trust or something. And if it's put into your bank account, I assume that means it's a bank account in your name... and if it's in your name, then you should be able to withdraw it.

It sounds like they're just looking out for your best interests by helping you save money. It's not like they took the money for themselves.

Answer 6

I fix this for you.

Just become *Emancipated*.

You divorce yourself from your parents, they have no control over you at all. You file a simple paper and a judge gives you emancipation. You are free.

Couple draw backs. It basically divorces you from your parents, meaning they dont have to feed you, give you a place to live ect.

But still you can get your 200 bucks and your freedom. Its called *Emancipation* are you ready for it?

If your not, shut the hell up.

*** update after post ***

The money that you made is yours, you earned it. You are asking a legal question. To my understanding a guardian has to decide what to do with that money. ie child movie stars that make millions per movie, cannot control or have that money. Its up to a guardian. You can request the court to grant another guardian and the court will decide who that person might be. Your parents are the natural guardian.

If you want the 200 bucks you made to buy a game or a tv or whatever. Your parents might say no because they want you to save it for college. Their responsibility is to do what is best for the child. Carrots instead of twinkies ect.

If you make 200 dollars and your guardians think the money should be put away to better your future..... totally legal and probablly right. You can legally sue your parents and go to court to change who your guardian is. Or divorce your parents and become empancipated. You asked a question I answered it.

Your only ability is to negotiate with your guardian to say I want to be able to spend 1/2 of it on what I want. They can tell you to go to hell. But im sure they will negotiate.

Answer 7

stealing lol how can it be stealing if its in YOUR bank account be thankful your parents are samrt and are actually thinking about your future

like my step father says

"anyone can make a dollar, but not everyone can save a dollar"

Answer 8

you are a minor until age 18 or emancipated by a court. As such, your parents can place your funds as they deem best for you without your permission.

Answer 9

Completely legal because you are a minor.

Answer 10

Your parents are in charge of you, you need to grow up and realize that. You are too immature to realize it is for your own benefit, so you definitely need no say in the matter.