Age of Majority in VA Problems

TxnInVA · Jul 5th, 2008, 10:30 AM

We have a son who will be turning 18 in July. He will not be graduating this year. He recently opened checking and savings accounts at Bank of America without our knowledge or consent.
Are we liable for any fees charges before he reaches the "age of majority?" How is the "age of majority" defined for Virginia and where can I find a copy of it?
He has "plans" to Move out on his 18th birthday. He is working (at minimum wage.) He is taking medication for "severe mood swings."
Do we have any legal way of stopping him form doing so?
Do we have any legal responsibility if/when he leaves?

We are feeling helpless

tbyte · Jul 5th, 2008, 02:50 PM

How did a minor open a checking account without your permission? Contact the bank to find out whether your name signature should have been required, and send them a letter stating that you did not grant permission for this account and will not assume liability for any charges.

TxnInVA · Jul 6th, 2008, 11:28 AM

According to Bank of America (BOA). "it is their standard practice to open an account to minors as young as 16 without a parent, guardian or an adult signing." I asked how this was legal since a minor can not sign a binding contract. Their response was that it was not a contract only a signature slip. I asked about fees or penalties and they responded that it was the minors responsibility. I then pushed the issue and asked how can you impose these fees and penalties without a contract. Dead silence. I was then directed to contact their legal dept. I did. The legal dept would not answer any questions only directed me to come in with my son and be added to the account or have him close it. They know what they are doing and dont care.

My other questions still stand.

How is the "age of majority" defined for Virginia and where can I find a copy of it?
He has "plans" to Move out on his 18th birthday. He is working (at minimum wage.) He is taking medication for "severe mood swings."
Do we have any legal way of stopping him form doing so? (For his good and ours)
Do we have any legal responsibility if/when he leaves?

Jul 5th, 2008, 10:30 AM	#1
TxnInVA Junior Member Last Online: Nov 22nd, 2008 06:27 AM Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 6	Age of Majority in VA Problems We have a son who will be turning 18 in July. He will not be graduating this year. He recently opened checking and savings accounts at Bank of America without our knowledge or consent. Are we liable for any fees charges before he reaches the "age of majority?" How is the "age of majority" defined for Virginia and where can I find a copy of it? He has "plans" to Move out on his 18th birthday. He is working (at minimum wage.) He is taking medication for "severe mood swings." Do we have any legal way of stopping him form doing so? Do we have any legal responsibility if/when he leaves? We are feeling helpless

Jul 5th, 2008, 02:50 PM	#2
tbyte Moderator Last Online: Today 12:24 AM Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,227	Re: Age of Majority in VA Problems How did a minor open a checking account without your permission? Contact the bank to find out whether your name signature should have been required, and send them a letter stating that you did not grant permission for this account and will not assume liability for any charges.

Jul 6th, 2008, 11:28 AM	#3
TxnInVA Junior Member Last Online: Nov 22nd, 2008 06:27 AM Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 6	Re: Age of Majority in VA Problems According to Bank of America (BOA). "it is their standard practice to open an account to minors as young as 16 without a parent, guardian or an adult signing." I asked how this was legal since a minor can not sign a binding contract. Their response was that it was not a contract only a signature slip. I asked about fees or penalties and they responded that it was the minors responsibility. I then pushed the issue and asked how can you impose these fees and penalties without a contract. Dead silence. I was then directed to contact their legal dept. I did. The legal dept would not answer any questions only directed me to come in with my son and be added to the account or have him close it. They know what they are doing and dont care. My other questions still stand. How is the "age of majority" defined for Virginia and where can I find a copy of it? He has "plans" to Move out on his 18th birthday. He is working (at minimum wage.) He is taking medication for "severe mood swings." Do we have any legal way of stopping him form doing so? (For his good and ours) Do we have any legal responsibility if/when he leaves?

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