Will Case of Teen Suing Parents Become a Fad?

By Jason Koestenblatt

One of the stories that got the most attention last week was the case of a Morris County teen filing a lawsuit against her parents seeking Catholic school tuition, living and travel expenses.

Rachel Canning, 18, stopped living at her parents' Lincoln Park home back in October 2013. The Morris Catholic High School senior says she was kicked out; her parents say she left on her own. 

According to court documents, the teen first stayed at the home of her boyfriend, Lucas Kitzmiller, in Mine Hill for two days. She then left and stayed with her friend in Rockaway Township and has been there ever since. That friend, Jaime Inglesino, is the daughter of John Inglesino – former Rockaway Township mayor, former Morris County freeholder and current Parsippany-Troy Hills Township attorney. Inglesino has given Canning the funds to use her own lawyer in the case.

Canning's lawsuit against her parents, Sean and Elizabeth, claimed she was due some form of financial support both presently and a college tuition as the student prepares for enrollment next fall. 

The case was unprecedented and drew media and legal attention from around the globe. In the case's first court appearance, the teen was denied the funds she sought by a judge. A second hearing is scheduled for April 22. 

But will this be the end of it? Will this case give other teens – and lawyers – the idea to pursue their own legal actions against parents or guardians? Is the Canning vs. Canning case just the beginning of what could be copycat lawsuits brought by children? Let us know in the comments.