Parents, child in property dispute

In May 2000, at age 23, I moved out of my parent’s home in Detroit, taking all of my personal property with me. I moved back in with them in August 2001, after an argument with my boyfriend (with whom I’ve been living since May 2000). In less than a week my boyfriend and I reconciled, but now my parents, who vehemently object to my boyfriend and lifestyle, won’t allow me to finish removing the aforementioned property and additional items I’ve purchased since May 2001. I’ve made several attempts to convince them that they shouldn’t be this way, but my mother threatens violence whenever I attempt to leave with any of my belongings and, along with my dad, simply refuses to return my things as long as I’m living contrary to their religious, moral and personal beliefs. What swift and effective legal remedy might I pursue? Please keep in mind that my mother is a violent woman who might destroy my belongings before this matter is settled. Thanks for your advice.

Sounds like a small-claims court case in the making.

Sounds like a harsh thing, to sue your parents, but it also sounds like they're on a big power trip and need to be put back in their place.


The filing fee is minimal, and small-claims court is designed for folks to get justice on issues where small amounts of money are involved.

Frequently the parties do not have lawyers.

If they destroy your property, which you can prove is your property, then the court can order them to compensate you.

If they do not, they can be held in contempt, which could mean jail time, fines and/or community service.

Best of luck -- sounds like a bad situation, regardless of the outcome.