The case of a New Jersey teen suing her parents may not be as cut and dried as it seems at first glance. In fact, some sources are contemplating whether her parents’ decision not to pay for her college education could be considered a just reason for breach of contract claims. In this case, it would not be a written breach of contract, but the breach of an understood agreement between the parents and the daughter.
The girl, who is now 18 and a senior in high school, has stated to the media and within court filings that she is entitled to the financial support of her parents. She asserts that she was led to understand that they would provide for her monetary needs when it came to higher education. In hearings on the matter, representatives from the school alleged that the girl was abused by her parents.
However, the case has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn with the news that the young woman has moved back into her parents’ home after having resided elsewhere since Oct. 2013. Attorneys for the parents state that the issues between the parties are being resolved. However, as of the time of this report, the lawsuit itself has not been dropped, and the daughter’s attorney filed a request for emergency request to have a guardian appointed and to close the courtroom to the press. That request was denied.
As events continue to unfold, many in New Jersey will watch to see how this matter is resolved. The case has served to open a dialogue across the nation about how far parental responsibility extends once a child has reached the age of maturity. Whether or not a court agrees with the teen’s stance that her breach of contract claims are valid, the points made by this teen will no doubt resonate with many American parents and their children.
Source: mycentraljersey.com, Rachel Canning back at home but lawsuit remains alive, Peggy Wright, March 13, 2014
