What are the legal rights of a minor when it comes to possessions and financial control by a legal guardian in Oregon? #LegalRights #MinorPossessions #OregonLaw
As a minor (M) in Oregon, I received a gaming console as a gift from my legal guardian a few years ago, only to have it destroyed in a fit of anger recently. Now, my guardian is demanding $400 from me, threatening violence if I don’t pay for the console and accessories. They claim that since they gifted it to me and are my legal guardian, they have the right to do whatever they want with my possessions. This situation raises concerns about my finances, as they have access to my funds without restrictions. How can I protect my rights as a minor in this scenario, especially considering it happened 1-2 years ago? #GuardianControl #MinorsRights #FinancialProtection
Key Points:
– Received gaming console gift from legal guardian
– Guardian destroyed console in anger
– Demanding $400 payment, threatening violence
– Claims right to control possessions as legal guardian
– Access to minor’s finances without restriction
Legal Rights of Minors in Oregon:
Ownership of Possessions:
– When do legal ownership rights to possessions transfer to minors in Oregon?
Financial Control:
– What laws protect minors from financial exploitation by legal guardians in Oregon?
In general, you do not have legal rights to possessions as a minor and confiscating or destroying your property is legal.
There are a few exceptions in some states, especially for large amounts of money or very valuable possessions, but it is unlikely they would apply to you and you would not be able to execute them on your own until you are 18 or emancipated. They mainly apply to child actors who have large earnings, or sometimes inherited property.
I’m sorry you are in this situation. I don’t think it’s morally right for them to destroy your property, but there are very few legal protections for minors beyond food, housing, education, and freedom from severe abuse/neglect.
Like others mentioned, this is more than about what’s yours or not. It’s child abuse. If you are being threatened with violence, you need to tell an authority figure or the police now.
When you stop being a minor your possessions should mostly convert to being yours. As a practical matter that won’t change much, though – is your violent parent going to care about property law more than child abuse laws?
I dont know what your life situation is like but you might consider trying to see a therapist, now or after you become an adult. They could likely help you understand if you are a victim of abuse and help heal the damage, if any.
I would also add that this thinking is EXTREMELY problematic and raises huge red flags. This is clear victim blaming for abuse i.e. if dinner hadn’t been cold I wouldn’t have had to beat you honey. In this case the adult should be modeling restraint no matter what you did, not throwing a temper tantrum and blaming you.
As a minor, your parents have the ability to parent you, including taking your possession away from you. If you are in a situation of abuse where you believe your personal safety is at risk, tell a trusted family member and/or adult at your school.