Hey everyone, I’m 14 and my ex-stepmom took $4000 from my dad’s account. It was a shared account, but she told him she had taken her name off it. He believed her, but now the money is gone. There’s no proof she said that, but she definitely did! My dad is thinking about trying civil court, but he’s not sure he can get the money back. This is a huge amount for us, and I don’t know what to do. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
Alden said:
C1
Sorry, what does that mean? I’m still kinda new here.
You’re 14. This isn’t your problem. Your dad should handle it.
Jamie said:
You’re 14. This isn’t your problem. Your dad should handle it.
I get where you’re coming from, but in our family, we talk about things that affect all of us. My dad is super stressed, and he’s basically the only parent I see every day. The money situation impacts all of us. I just want to help however I can. Hope you have a good night.
@Hope
I get that you want to help, but your dad shouldn’t be putting this on you. You’re a kid. No judge would be okay with this situation. You shouldn’t have to deal with adult problems like this—it’s not fair to you.
Let the grown-ups handle their mess. Focus on yourself.
It’s a problem that you’re even involved in this. Your dad shouldn’t be telling you about it.
Jess said:
It’s a problem that you’re even involved in this. Your dad shouldn’t be telling you about it.
He didn’t tell me right away. He found out and was really upset, and since we talk openly about things, I found out. I know not all families do things this way, but I’ve been through a lot, so I understand that sometimes you need help. She has already hurt our family emotionally, so I’m not surprised she’d take money too. I just didn’t think it’d be this much. I’m just worried, that’s all. Hope you have a good evening.
Not trying to be rude, but why is a 14-year-old trying to fix their parent’s financial issues? You should be out enjoying life, not stressing over this.
Francis said:
Not trying to be rude, but why is a 14-year-old trying to fix their parent’s financial issues? You should be out enjoying life, not stressing over this.
I know, but I hate seeing my dad this upset. I’ve known for a long time that she was bad news. He’s still struggling emotionally from the whole situation and isn’t thinking straight. He pulled all the remaining money out, and he’s going to go through with the divorce. He was originally planning to use the money she took for it, so now he has to figure something else out.
I’m a family law attorney. A lot of the advice here is off, but the truth is—it depends. I’d need more details to say for sure, but it’s not hopeless.
Angela said:
I’m a family law attorney. A lot of the advice here is off, but the truth is—it depends. I’d need more details to say for sure, but it’s not hopeless.
Thanks for the insight. My dad is planning to talk to a lawyer when he can. We’re trying to gather as much info as possible, like exact amounts and a timeline, but it’s tough. We’ll keep trying, though. I just hope she hasn’t done this to anyone else.
@Hope
If your dad is still on the account, he should be able to get a statement from the bank.
Ronald said:
@Hope
If your dad is still on the account, he should be able to get a statement from the bank.
Thanks, he’s going to try.
@Hope
Wishing you all the best!
Angela said:
@Hope
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you.
Angela said:
I’m a family law attorney. A lot of the advice here is off, but the truth is—it depends. I’d need more details to say for sure, but it’s not hopeless.
If your dad was the only one depositing money, doesn’t he have the right to get it back?
@Bridge
Not if her name was still on the account. He should’ve taken her off.
@Bridge
Like I said, it depends on the details. State laws and circumstances matter. I can’t give legal advice, but there are questions here that need answers.
Angela said:
@Bridge
Like I said, it depends on the details. State laws and circumstances matter. I can’t give legal advice, but there are questions here that need answers.
Got it. Thanks!