SICHUAN – A single mother in Sichuan province has taken legal action against her son to recover the remaining 300,000 yuan (S$57,200) she had deposited in his name for his future overseas education.

It was revealed that her son had already spent 200,000 yuan of the funds on his girlfriend, as reported by Redstar News on Sunday.

The 41-year-old mother, concerned about potential property disputes after remarrying, had created an account and placed her entire savings of more than half a million yuan under her son’s name.

Recently, she was shocked to discover that all the funds in the account had disappeared.

Upon checking with the bank, it was revealed that her 19-year-old son had transferred the money to his girlfriend, surnamed Wu. The young couple had already spent a substantial sum of 200,000 yuan on their travels and the purchase of Wu’s car.

Frustrated by the way the money had been spent, the mother attempted to negotiate with her son and Wu, urging them to return the remaining funds. However, both her son and Wu insisted that the money rightfully belonged to them and refused to return it.

After several unsuccessful attempts to recover the funds, the mother filed a lawsuit with the Fucheng District People’s Court in Mianyang, Sichuan province, to prevent further spending of the money.

The case recently went to court, where both parties retained legal representation to present their cases. They engaged in heated debates concerning the legal aspects of the matter.

Following the trial, Judge Chen Kunpeng expressed understanding for the challenges faced by a single mother raising a child.

He also acknowledged the son’s desire for love and independence as an adult.

However, the judge clarified to the son that the money constituted an educational fund saved by the mother for his schooling and was not an unconditional gift.

Additionally, the son is currently a college freshman, still reliant on his mother’s support for his education. After court-mediated discussions, an agreement was reached, and the remaining money was returned to the mother by her son.

She continues to cover her son’s tuition and living expenses regularly. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK