Minor - Can a parent require a minor child to leave home? Must the
parent support the minor?
Question
I have a 17 year old son and we reside in Michigan. He refuses to
help around the house, will not work, and will not abide by my rules.
Michigan law states that he is legally under my care until he is 18 years
old, it also states that until the age of 18 the parents have control over
where they reside. I have had it with his unwillingness to help himself
and he uses these laws as a weapon so he can lay around and manipulate
the family. Can I as his parent throw him out and not let him back
in the house? He will not get himself emancipated as that blows his whole
plan of free-loading and manipulating. If I cannot throw him out
what are my other legal options?
Answer
I believe that you are responsible for the custody and control of the minor
and must support him until he becomes 18. This does not necessarily
have to be in your home. Perhaps you could arrange to have him live
with other relatives until he becomes 18 or place him in some other residential
setting.
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Last Updated: 5-25-04
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov