Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Stealing from a step daughter that doesn't live with you and is 18 years old

I recently got birth control and it is a

very personal and embarassing subject

for me I go to school in PA and i went

to Mass ( where I lived with my mom

and stepfather) to have a doctors appt

and get the pills. I guess my stepfather

went through my room (in the attic... no

reason to go up there) and found the

pills and took them and continued to

have a huge argument with my mother

about the doctors office calling to tell

all my tests were ok. I didnt know that

he took them until I was back at school

and went to put them in my drawer. I

am 18 years old, 19 in december and I

no longer live with my mom. I live with

my dad in Grantville Pa. This is not the

first run in I have had with my stefather.

Believe me, I have a list of things that

are worse then this that I already got

the police involved in but unfortunately

nothing could be done. Nobody would

know that my stepfather was like this.

He is known as a wealthy respectable

man and he even knows the chief of

police in our town because he was on

school committee. I just need to know if

there is something I can do about this

because I am tired of him getting away

with everything he does.


Asked on 11/20/06, 10:18 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Stealing from a step daughter that doesn't live with you and is 18 years old

You asked about the nasty step-father.

This is whole answer is totally a Dear Gabby response rather than a lawyerly answer. GROW UP.

Your stepfather cannot get away with anything that you do not let him get away with. Confront him. If he is not someone you wish to be around then don't be around him. When you visit your mother stay in a hotel and not at her (and his) house. This goes back to the old adage, "while you are under his roof...".

Birth control and doctors tests are nothing to be ashamed about. It is not as if the doctor provided any information, such as the specific tests (that would be a violation of privacy and medical confidentiality.)

Then next time you see him confront him about the birth control pills in a non-threatening manner. Ask him point blank "Did you take my birth control pills the last time I visited?" If he denies it you have him. If he acknowledges it you can actually have a discussion.

In the end, no one can abuse you if you do not let them.

Personally, I would suggest having some fun with the guy. Make him think you went ahead and had unprotected sex without the birth control and either had potential pregnancy or better a terminated pregnancy, This is guaranteed to get a rise out of him. You could then point out that birth control pills are used for a number of conditions that are unrelated to sexual activity.

And, by the way. While birth control pills are necessary, you must still require that your partner use a condom whenever you have sex. No ifs and or buts.

Regards,

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Answered on 11/20/06, 10:51 am
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

Re: Stealing from a step daughter that doesn't live with you and is 18 years old

Taking someone's prescription drugs without permission is a crime. Intercepting medical information can also raise problems for your family.

The practical solution is merely to get the medication where you are right now, and avoid the hassle of traveling back to Mass to deal with these issues in court.

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Answered on 11/20/06, 3:03 pm


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