New Jersey high school honor student Rachel Canning has lost the first round in court against her parents.
You might have heard about this story — Canning claims her parents kicked her out, but her parents argue she left on her own because she didn't want to follow house rules or a curfew. Now, she wants financial support.
"She really didn't expect to be left high and dry."
"The judge denied Rachel Canning's request for her high school tuition and living cost. He delayed ruling on the college tuition."
News 12 New Jersey has video from the courtroom, where Rachel Canning's lawyer, Tanya Helfand, said her home life was not normal.
"Rachel's choice to have a boyfriend ... in her senior year of high school is against their rules. I would argue that's not normal."
The parents say they never abandoned their child, they just want her to follow their rules and would take her back immediately. However, the judge also brought up a point he was worried about in court:
"The judge, clearly concerned about setting a dangerous precedent."
"What would the next step be? Are we going to condone a 12-year-old to sue for an Xbox?"
Daily Mail quoted Rachel Canning's father, Sean Canning, who is also a former police chief:
"'We love our child and miss her. ... We’re not draconian and now, we’re getting hauled into court. She’s demanding that we pay her bills but she doesn’t want to live at home.'"
Rachel Canning has been candid about people's responses, posting to her Facebook page messages she has been receiving. They have called her a spoiled brat, and one even made sexual advances.
According to the Daily Record, for the time being, Rachel has been living with her best friend's family — they're financing the lawsuit for Rachel.
There's still the matter of whether the parents are legally responsible for their daughter's college tuition. Another hearing is set for April 22.
