Teen Sues Parents For Her College Tuition

A New Jersey teen is suing her parents for the cost of her private school and college tuition. Although she has moved out of her parents’ home, Rachel Canning said her parents are responsible for her education. The 18-year-old has filed a lawsuit, requesting full financial support, including her college tuition and expenses.

Rachel claims her parents kicked her out of their home and refused financial support. In the lawsuit, attorney Tanya N. Helfand argues that Sean and Elizabeth Canning are still responsible for their daughter’s expenses. Through her attorney, Rachel Canning has requested financial support to cover housing, transportation, and college tuition.

The teen also wants her parents to cover an outstanding debt of $5,306, which is owed to Morris Catholic High School and attorney fees of more than $12,000.

Rachel Canning claims she was abandoned by her parents and forced to move in with her friend Jaime Inglesino. Jaime’s father, attorney John Inglesino, is paying for the lawsuit.

According to her attorney, the teen is suing her parents for expenses that they are obligated to cover. As an aspiring biomedical student, Rachel argues that a college education is essential for her future success.

Sean Canning, a retired police chief, said his daughter is lying. He is also concerned that Rachel is being “enabled” and manipulated by the Inglesino family. Canning said that his daughter voluntarily left home in 2013 and has never attempted to return.

As reported by Daily Record, Canning and his wife are frustrated and heartbroken:

“We love our child and miss her. This is terrible. It’s killing me and my wife. We have a child we want home.”

Canning said his daughter “doesn’t want to live at home.” She reportedly left, as she was unwilling to follow her parents’ rules. According to Canning, the rules were reasonable for any teen living at home. Rachel was expected to abide by a curfew, complete her household chores, and respect the members of her family.

The teen’s parents were also concerned about Rachel’s current relationship, as her boyfriend seems to have a bad influence on their daughter’s behavior and decisions. Canning admits that he and his wife stopped paying Rachel’s tuition when she left home. They also confiscated her vehicle, which they paid for.

However, Canning denies “withdrawing or re-allocating” his daughter’s college fund. He said the money is still in the account and available when and if Rachel decides to attend college.

Rachel Canning claims her parents “redirected [her] college fund… as a punishment.” The teen is suing her parents in the family division of the Morristown Superior Court.

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