Emancipation at Age 18 in Michigan

[MommyDearestClub]

My 18 year old stepson has chosen not to live in our home "because he can't live by our rules". He is still attending High School. He has exercised his right to live wherever he chooses. What obligations do we have as parents under Michigan law? Is there anything we need to do legally to protect our best interests?

Is it true we could be required to pay child support if he chooses to move in with another family member?

[aaron]

He's reached the age of majority. He can live where he wants, and no you don't have to pay child support if that happens to be with a relative. If there is an existing support order and nobody seeks to terminate it, it could continue until somebody brings a motion to terminate it based on his moving out, given that he has not graduated - but you indicate that he was living with you, so that shouldn't be a problem for you.

[MommyDearestClub]

Thank You! That is what I thought. You are correct. We are receiving the support dollars. We contacted FOC, but they said it was court ordered and it would only change if his mom made a request.

Now, what is your opinion about the continuation of Soc Sec Benefits. I am on a disability retirement and receive Soc Sec. When my stepson turned 18, the benefit checks we recieved to cover his living expenses starting coming in his name. He felt this money for was for his pleasure and became a huge issue that lead to his decision to move out. I am trying to convince Soc Sec that he should not get this benefit any longer since he has exercised his rights as an 18 year old adult - and that I am no longer responsible for him. He even had us sign the form at school (age of majority??) so that he can handle his own affairs without us. At this point, I am told there is nothing I can do to stop the benefit - unless he quits school or ends up in jail or something like that. I think this is wrong. Any comments, suggestions or words of wisdom?

[Mr. Knowitall]

His Social Security benefits are between him and the Social Security Administration. If they deem continuation appropriate, he will continue to receive benefits.

[MommyDearestClub]

I believe that is the part that I don't understand. If he gets the benefits because of my disability,because he lives in my household and then he chooses to move out and to exercise his rights under the law to be an adult, why should he continue to get the benefits? The benefit was approved so I could provide for him. I am no longer responsible for him because he has declared himself an adult and not required to live by the rules in our household. He should no longer be eligible for the benefit. In my opinion he has forfeited that right when he moved out. Why is it between him and social security? It is treated the same as a death benefit, when it is not the same. If he got it because of the death of a parent or because of his own disability, then that would be different, and I would agree with Soc Sec. That is not the case here. I guess I need to give this one up and let him take advantage of the system. Thank you for your input.