What to do when your parents take money from you?

Asked by: Chase Roberts  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (46 votes)

If you are under 18, call CPS. If the money they're taking is from a job, then that counts as stealing, and stealing from your underage child would rightly be considered child abuse. If you are over 18, give them a firm, fair warning that if they keep stealing from you, you will call the police.

Is it legal for my parents to take my money?

It's Illegal For Your Parents To Do This!

At what age should parents stop giving their children money?

Age and maturity: Parents might provide support for a certain period after their kids reach 18 or 21, but it should be coupled with expectations of gradually taking on more financial responsibilities as they grow older and become more independent, just like my dad did.

What to do when parents are bad with money?

You can start by setting boundaries with them. Explain to them that you cannot provide them with money and that they need to take responsibility for their own financial situation. You can also suggest that they seek help from a financial advisor or other professional to help them get their finances in order.

Is it okay to take money from parents?

No, it is not okay to take money from anyone, including a father, forcefully. Forcefully taking money from someone is considered theft and is illegal in most jurisdictions. It is important to communicate openly and honestly about financial matters...

How to Care for Financially Unstable Parents

19 related questions found

Is it illegal to use your child's money?

Tough Times, Tough Talks. It's not illegal to take money from your kids in most cases, although, of course, there are exceptions, like if the child's money is in a specific trust and you abuse the funds.

How to deal with toxic parents as a minor?

How to Deal With Toxic Parents
  1. Common Toxic Traits.
  2. Get Rid of Guilt.
  3. Don't Try to Change Them.
  4. Boundaries Are Key.
  5. No Need to Explain.
  6. Practice Self-Care.
  7. Set Up a Support System.
  8. Change Your Story.

Do I have to pay my parents' bills?

If your parents are unable to pay or have died, the collector may decide to turn to you. Unless you co-signed or agreed to be a guarantor on your parent's bills, however, you are not liable for the debt. The collector can't sue you or add the account to your credit reports, no matter what they may claim.

What to do if your parents go broke?

1. Collaborate With Siblings. If you have siblings, get them involved in decision-making and providing financial help for your elderly parents. If two or more siblings are willing to help, you can offer more assistance to your parents, support each other throughout the process and hopefully avoid feelings of resentment ...

How to stop feeling like you owe your parents?

How to Stop Being Responsible for Your Parents
  1. Cut Contact With Them. The quickest and easiest way to stop letting your parents take advantage of you is to prevent them from contacting you. ...
  2. Set Some Rules. ...
  3. Don't Let Yourself Be Manipulated. ...
  4. Set Boundaries. ...
  5. Get Outside Help.

How long should parents be financially responsible for you?

In most states, parental obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, 18 years old. But, check the laws of your state, as the age of majority can be different from one state to the next. Many parents support their children after the age of majority, such as while the child attends college.

Should I pay my adult child's bills?

Given that a Credit Karma survey found that two-thirds of the parents who financially support their adult children said doing so causes them financial stress, financial planners say parents should budget their own expenses before they offer support to an adult child.

Is it wrong to not give your parents money?

money that you earn is yours, you've worked hard for it and you don't have to be obligated to share it with anyone. It's meaningless if you're giving money to your parents just for the sake of it, just because everyone does it and says you should.

Can parents legally take your phone?

Generally speaking, a parent can still take the phone away from the child and search through the phone. While the phone may belong to the child, the parent is able to exercise control over the device if the parent believes it is in the child's best interest.

Can parents kick you out at 18?

Absolutely. The law does not discriminate against or for education, so an 18-year-old in high school is an independent adult, even while slogging away at AP exams and preparing for Senior Prank.

Is it illegal to use your parents' address?

Yes - it's legal. It's the address where you can best be contacted. The only time you will get in trouble is when you are fraudulently listing an address, and for that you have to gain from the deception or try to.

Am I obligated to help my parents financially?

Filial laws require children to provide for parents' basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care. The extent of filial responsibility varies by state, along with conditions that make it enforceable including the parent's age and the adult child's financial situation.

Should you tell your kids you're broke?

The more you're willing to share, the better. Your children will need this information if a health issue forces them to get involved with your finances. They will need this information to prepare their own finances if they have to help care for or support you.

How do you break free from toxic parents?

Steps
  1. Avoid taking responsibility for their feelings or needs. ...
  2. Accept that you cannot change them. ...
  3. Stop taking what they say to you personally. ...
  4. Limit what you tell them about yourself and your life. ...
  5. Plan an exit strategy for when they're mistreating you.

Is paying bills illegal for minors?

This is because of the basic legal principle that a minor lacks the capacity to enter into a valid contract. Even if the bills are for the child, the financial responsibility to pay them therefore rests with the parents, not the child.

What age should parents stop paying?

There is no universally correct age that parents should stop supporting their children once they reach adulthood, as each family will need to make the determination based on what is best for their wallets and to best support their values.

Can my parents kick me out if I pay bills?

If you are considered a tenant under your state or local laws, you have the same legal protections as any other renter. This means you cannot be evicted without a court order, and likely have other legal protections as well.

Is it OK to cut off toxic parents?

It's also possible that, even if your parent has good intentions and has addressed their own issues, continuing a relationship with that parent may still feel too triggering for you, Spinazzola says. If that's the case, you have every right to cut ties.

What is cold mother syndrome?

Cold mother syndrome refers to a parenting style characterized by emotional distance, dismissiveness, and rejection. This type of mothering is often accompanied by a lack of emotional availability and neglect of a child's emotional needs.

Is it OK to leave toxic parents?

It's okay to cut ties with a toxic parent if the relationship is causing you significant harm. Many people struggle with feelings of guilt, fear, or societal pressure to maintain family relationships, but your mental health and wellbeing must come first.