Question:

Can I be sued for using the estate meant for my child?

Question Detail:

I am the ex-stepmother of a minor who just turned 18 years old.

I have had custody of her since 2009. The child is the

beneficiary on a life insurance policy. The policy was disbursed to me in 2010.

I used it for the child's everyday expenses. The child’s

parents don't pay child support the way they were supposed to. 

Can the child sue me for the cash now?

Answer:

The money disbursed to an adult that belongs to a child, is the child's money,

and typically, the money can"t be used for the child's living expenses or otherwise

spent without court approval. The child support was the parents’ obligation,

not to be made up with the child's money.

You should consider negotiating a fair settlement with the child when

they are no longer a minor, that is, 19 years old in Alabama.