Can I take my son's café earnings and give him an allowance?

Full question:

My 17-year-old son is working part-time for a café and he has been earning quiet well for being a good waiter. But I do not want him to spend all the money he gets out of it on things other than books and just save the remaining. He is not legally emancipated. Can I take the payments from the employer on his behalf and give him only a part of it to spend?

  • Category: Minors
  • Subcategory: Emancipation of Minor
  • Date:
  • State: Michigan

Answer:

In Michigan, a person is considered a minor until they turn eighteen. Until then, parents or guardians have legal control over their minor children, as outlined in Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.1(a). An unemancipated minor's earnings can be managed by their parents or guardians. According to Mich. Comp. Laws § 722.5, the employer can pay the minor directly unless the parents or guardian notify the employer to pay them instead. This means you can request that your son's earnings be paid to you, allowing you to manage his spending and savings.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, teenagers can work as waiters in many states, including Michigan. Generally, the minimum age to work as a waiter is 16, but local laws may vary. Employers must comply with child labor laws, which regulate hours and working conditions for minors. It's important for teenagers to have the necessary permits or parental consent if required.