Relocation of a child from the household

Question

Is my child allowed to move out of the home before reaching the age of 18? Or do they not have the legal right to do so? Thank you for your response.

Answer:

The Family Act (hereinafter referred to as the “FA”) essentially “obliges” the parents of a child to exercise their parental rights and duties diligently and responsibly, which include:

  • consistent and thorough care for the upbringing, health, nutrition, and overall development of the minor child,

  • representation of the minor child,

  • administration of the minor child’s property.

This applies until the child reaches the age of majority. Upon reaching majority, the adult child acquires full legal capacity, no longer requires a legal representative, and becomes legally responsible for their own actions.

However, until reaching the age of majority, decisions regarding the child’s permanent residence are made by the parents as the child’s legal guardians.