Can parents require their minor child to finance his/her educational expenses from the property owned by the minor child?

Full question:

I am 17 years old and live with my parents. I have a house in my name in Wyoming. My grandparents gave this house to me. At present, I have given this house on rent to a family and I receive a good amount as rent every month. My parents are asking me to pay for my higher education from the income generated from my rental property. Do my parents have a right to make me pay for my education from my income?

• Category: Minors
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Wyoming

Answer:

In Wyoming, if a minor owns a property that generates income sufficient for his maintenance and education in a manner that is more expensive than what the minor’s parents can afford, then the minor’s education expenses may be paid out of the income of the minor’s own property. The relevant statutory provision in this regard is stated below.

Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-201 reads:
 

“Any minor having a living parent and owning property with income sufficient for his maintenance and education in a manner more expensive than his parent can reasonably afford, regard given to the situation of the parent's family and to all circumstances of the case, the expenses of the minor's education and maintenance may be defrayed out of the income of the minor's own property in whole or in part, as judged reasonable and as directed by the court. The charges for maintenance and education may be allowed accordingly in the settlements of the accounts of the minor's guardian.”