Is a lawyer fee for minor child section 7?

[velas]

I have a question about whether an expense is section 7.


Child is 18, lives in NL so is still considered a minor until 19 in a couple months. She has been charged with theft (likely alcohol). like maybe $50. but as she has been formally charged, she has to go to court etc. Would a lawyer for her be section 7?


I have been trying to get her to come out and live with me, but she has been resistant as her friends are all there. I get it, but the only friends she sees are ones who give her alcohol and drugs etc. She is trying to get better and working hard at doing it, so these charges are likely just going to set her back farther.

[rockscan]

I would say no. Do they not have duty counsel out there for minors or unemployed?

[velas]

I'm really not sure. Her mother is calling a lawyer. I realize she's 18, so technically an adult even if she's a minor in the province. Do 18 year old's in Alberta or Ontario etc get treated differently in regards to criminal charges.


Not to downplay things, but I'm really hoping her stealing a few bottles of alcohol isn't going to cause her any lasting problems. I'm hoping they just drop the charges and let it be, or be lenient if she does some volunteering or something. I'd hate for things to be ruined for her because of this.

[rockscan]

I thought you had said your ex enables her and isn’t doing anything about her behaviour?

I would tell her no if she asks. How she manages this problem is on her and truthfully, maybe an issue like this will smarten her up.

As much as you want to help, this type of situation requires some tough love. Your daughter is technically an adult and is messing up her life. If your ex isn’t going to get tough then its on her to manage it.

[velas]

Enables is an understatement, although I believe the charges could possibly stem from her mother refusing to pay for the stolen items. However, this is the first I've heard about most of this (the stealing, not the addiction). I believe mom is starting to try and stop enabling.


I thought for sure she was going to register for school and buying a new laptop was the least of my concerns. I was going to get her a laptop for Christmas, but mom advised not to do that as she will probably sell it for money to buy alcohol.

[standing on the sidelines]

I'm really not sure. Her mother is calling a lawyer. I realize she's 18, so technically an adult even if she's a minor in the province. Do 18 year old's in Alberta or Ontario etc get treated differently in regards to criminal charges.


Not to downplay things, but I'm really hoping her stealing a few bottles of alcohol isn't going to cause her any lasting problems. I'm hoping they just drop the charges and let it be, or be lenient if she does some volunteering or something. I'd hate for things to be ruined for her because of this.

who did she steal from?

[Karma2016]

Sounds to me the mom has her hands full with the daughter. Regardless if legal fees are a section 7 or not, contribute towards her legal advice if you are able. Teenage daughters are a real pill at that age, even the best of them. It passes in their early 20’s...you don’t want this charge screwing up her future.

[velas]

apparently, it was 2 different liquor stores. But those are only the ones they are charging her for.


I may contribute something if I am able, I have to discuss with my wife and figure out what I can afford to do. I was more wondering if this would fall under section 7. I've had issues with it in the past (asked to split $3.00 one time, lol). I don't want her to be messed up in the future, but she needs to make better choices too.