Parents, child in property dispute

[Xaveur]

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.

 

[lawrat]

You are 23 and old enough to understand you cannot have your cake and eat it too. You chose this lifestyle, against your parents' wishes and now you want to get your things back amicably? You can't. So....you want to sue your parents? Are you out of your mind? Sometimes, you try not to live your life like a Jerry Springer episode.

Chalk it up to a learning lesson and next time, invest in a storage lot.


____________________________________________________
I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

 

[HomeGuru]

I agree with lawrat.
I also object to your lifestyle.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

I'm sorry folks . . . but, am I missing something that LawRat and HomeGuru saw and read from our writer's post ?

As I read it, our writer is more than able to move in with her boyfriend at the age of 23 - - she's an adult for God's sake ! What is wrong with that ?

Then, she has a "disagreement" with her boyfriend, and moves back in with Mom and Dad. What's wrong with that ? And now, she wants to move out again, presumably back with her boyfriend. What's wrong with that ?

Lifestyle ?

Hell, most of us made mistakes or decisions that didn't coincide with our parents' belief systems. So what ?

Remember, she's 23 years old !

Now, insofar as the personal property is concerned, take pictures of everything you own. If you have to, sue your parents in Small Claims court for the fair market value (the current resale value, if you had to sell the items) of your personal property.

Then, you'll have proof of what you own, and if the items are destroyed, or "lost", you'll be able to obtain their current value. Some Small Claims judges, while they don't have the authority to do so - - but they will try when it comes to family litigants, will require your parents to make your personal belongings available for pick-up by you.

However, be aware, that when all is said and done, don't even think of going back to live with Mom and Dad should things not work out again with you and the boyfriend. This time, you'll really be on your own without a "safety net".

Good luck to you.

IAAL