Can a TEEN kicked out of the house SEEK CHILD SUPPORT payments FROM PARENTS? (custody, legally)

[Hopes]

Here's the situation.

Teenager with parents who divorced shortly after birth. Both parents remarried.

Both parents have been kicking teenager out of their houses and into each other's houses.

Each time, they go to court to have child support changed to be paid to parent with new custody.

The teen has been kicked from dad's house to mom's house back to dad's house within less than 6 months.

And now dad has kicked teen out into the streets.

Teen has 7 more months until graduation.

Can teen take mom AND dad to court for the next 7 months of child support?

If so, how can teen do it without a lawyer? Just go down to family court?


This isn't a thread about if the teen deserved to be kicked out.

In my state, parents are responsible for supporting children until they graduate from high school.

This thread is about how a teen who has been kicked out of the house can obtain child support until graduating high school.

[paganmama80]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Here's the situation.

Teenager with parents who divorced shortly after birth. Both parents remarried.

Both parents have been kicking teenager out of their houses and into each other's houses.

Each time, they go to court to have child support changed to be paid to parent with new custody.

The teen has been kicked from dad's house to mom's house back to dad's house within less than 6 months.

And now dad has kicked teen out into the streets.

Teen has 7 more months until graduation.

Can teen take mom AND dad to court for the next 7 months of child support?

If so, how can teen do it without a lawyer? Just go down to family court?


This isn't a thread about if the teen deserved to be kicked out.

In my state, parents are responsible for supporting children until they graduate from high school.

This thread is about how a teen who has been kicked out of the house can obtain child support until graduating high school.

How old is the kid?

[paganmama80]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Here's the situation.

Teenager with parents who divorced shortly after birth. Both parents remarried.

Both parents have been kicking teenager out of their houses and into each other's houses.

Each time, they go to court to have child support changed to be paid to parent with new custody.

The teen has been kicked from dad's house to mom's house back to dad's house within less than 6 months.

And now dad has kicked teen out into the streets.

Teen has 7 more months until graduation.

Can teen take mom AND dad to court for the next 7 months of child support?

If so, how can teen do it without a lawyer? Just go down to family court?


This isn't a thread about if the teen deserved to be kicked out.

In my state, parents are responsible for supporting children until they graduate from high school.

This thread is about how a teen who has been kicked out of the house can obtain child support until graduating high school.

Well if that is the law then yes legally he would be entitled to it.

[AnonChick]

If the teen is of the proper age, he might need to petition for emancipation as an adult. If he does that, he'd be legally obligated to support himself. If he isn't willing/prepared to do that, then he could petition the court to have a court-appointed guardian (i.e. foster care). Someone needs to be legally responsible for the minor child. Family court can make the determination on who that would be. I'd recommend a child advocate from a legitimate organization (such as CASA).

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

If the teen is of the proper age, he might need to petition for emancipation as an adult. If he does that, he'd be legally obligated to support himself. If he isn't willing/prepared to do that....

He's not prepared to do that. They left him in a position where he needs to start from scratch (taking a car that's in his name).

Originally Posted by AnonChick

...then he could petition the court to have a court-appointed guardian (i.e. foster care). Someone needs to be legally responsible for the minor child. Family court can make the determination on who that would be.

I'd hate to see him sent to live in a different school district, etc.

Although I've taken in other children in similar situations, I can't take this one into my house because my son is mad at him.

Originally Posted by AnonChick

I'd recommend a child advocate from a legitimate organization (such as CASA).

Thanks! I've never heard of them. I'll start there!

[paganmama80]

Originally Posted by Hopes

He's not prepared to do that. They left him in a position where he needs to start from scratch (taking a car that's in his name).


I'd hate to see him sent to live in a different school district, etc.

Although I've taken in other children in similar situations, I can't take this one into my house because my son is mad at him.


Thanks! I've never heard of them. I'll start there!

If he isn't 18 then legally they can't kick him out hopes. And even though i understand your son is mad at him i wouldn't use that as barometer in helping the kid out.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by paganmama80

If he isn't 18 then legally they can't kick him out hopes.

I know! That's why I posted this thread! I know it's illegal. But they did it anyway. I'm trying to do research on how I can help this child short of calling CYS.

Originally Posted by paganmama80

And even though i understand your son is mad at him i wouldn't use that as barometer in helping the kid out.

He stole from my son a month ago. I think that qualifies as an appropriate barometer.

But I still want to help him in every other way I can.

[paganmama80]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I know! That's why I posted this thread! I know it's illegal. But they did it anyway. I'm trying to do research on how I can help this child short of calling CYS.


He stole from my son a month ago. I think that qualifies as an appropriate barometer.

But I still want to help him in every other way I can.

If he isn't 18 then they will just force his parents to take him back in and press charges. I understand he stole from your son, but still letting him live on the street because of it is a tad harsh,given i can see why they kid might have problems. He could try to emcipate but that takes time, and chances are he would be 18 by the time it happens.

[VBmom]

If the state finds out he will more than likely be put into state custody and taken away from both parents. He would be put in a foster home. Poor kid...doesn't stand a chance with both parents fighting that they don't want him. I can't even imagine kicking my kid out when still a minor.

Thank you for being concerned about him. Every kid needs someone who cares.

[skahar]

I'm not sure he could petition for it on his own but if he were living with another adult, that adult could petition for support from the parents.