Can a parent take a child's savings for herself?

ESLizzy

My friend's ex-wife has taken money from their 13 year old's savings account to reimburse herself for a cancelled break which their son refused to go because he didn't want to spend time with her new boyfriend. Can she do this?

jonesMUFCforever

If she is the controlling adult /signatory on the account - yes.

Morally totally wrong of course but perfectly legal.

CavendishWobble

Echoing the previous post, but yes she can. It is legally the parents money and in their name.

ESLizzy

Thank you both.

Anthorn

Usually the parent has control of money in a bank account until the child is 16 years old but the parent can assign control to the child earlier. However the child or the child's representative could sue for a breach of fiduciary responsibility.

FestiveJoy

ESLizzy wrote: »

My friend's ex-wife has taken money from their 13 year old's savings account to reimburse herself for a cancelled break which their son refused to go because he didn't want to spend time with her new boyfriend. Can she do this?

Why did your friend's ex-wife have to cancel a break for herself and her new boyfriend, just because her 13 year old son didn't want to go?

Did she ask her 13 year old son if he wanted to go before she made the booking? (and did he agree?)

I would have thought your friend's ex-wife and her new boyfriend would have jumped at the chance of a nice break away together, without a teenage son in tow to watch their every move ...;)


:xmastree::xmastree::xmastree::xmassign:

ESLizzy

She didn't want to take him along but had no-one to look after him. My friend had hospital appointments so couldn't have him. The boy was okay with going until he realised the boyfriend was joining them. He had also been made to keep the bf a secret from his dad. Mother is talking now about selling up and moving from north of England to the west country to be with this man she says she has just started seeing. I don't see why she is coercing her child into spending time with this man. And he didn't ask her to book the cottage. I think her taking his money is simple theft, another example of her contempt for her son's feelings and rights.

HampshireH

. I think her taking his money is simple theft, another example of her contempt for her son's feelings and rights.

I'm inclined to agree.

Mojisola

At 13, the son's views would be taken into account if he wants to stop living with his Mum and have his Dad become the parent with care.