Rachel Canning Moves Home After Lawsuit Dismissed - Lawyer Feels Teen is 'Under Pressure' From Parents
Rachel Canning, the teen who made headlines by suing her parents for school tuition and claimed that she had been abandoned by them, has now returned home. An attorney for parents Sean and Elizabeth Canning told the press that his clients consider the matter "over, done" and are grateful to have their daughter home.
"Her return home is not contingent on any financial and/or other considerations," lawyer Angelo Sarno said in a statement released to the press. "As far as my clients are concerned, it's over, it's done. This is a private matter. It should never have been brought to the court's attention. It should have never been brought to the public."
There is some disagreement about whether or not the reunion was a happy one, with Rachel's attorney filing an emergency application Wednesday afternoon to seal records, close the courtroom and have a guardian appointed for her. That request was denied by the judge, but her attorney feels that Rachel is under the influence of her parents to withdraw the lawsuit pending for college tuition.
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"Just a few days ago Rachel Canning indicated that she could not go back home with her parents and she required a promise of some financial assistance going forward. Now, after speaking with her mother yesterday, she said she is waiving her complaint and is receiving no promises or consideration in return. The court did not determine if she is emancipated or not. A psychologist certified that the parents are abusive. School faculty certified that the parents abused the child," Tanya Hefland, Rachel's attorney, wrote in court documents, according to the Daily Record.
It remains to be seen whether Rachel's lawsuit will go to trial on April 22. If it does, a judge would have to rule whether the teen is "non-emancipated" and entitled to parental support or fully emancipated based on the fact that she left her home for allegedly refusing to follow the rules.
"The Cannings want this matter behind them so they can begin the healing process with their family," Sarno said at the press conference.
