Parents are generally responsible for (have liability for) intentional, willful, and malicious property damage done by their minor child. Parents may also be liable for the negligent acts of their minor child if the parents were (1) negligent in supervising the child (negligent supervision), or (2) negligent in entrusting the use of a car, gun, boat, motorcycle, or other item (often called an instrumentality) to the child (negligent entrustment).

These parental liability laws vary from state to state; often include age and monetary limits; and may be included in your state’s statutes—often in the family code.

In Alabama, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful property damage caused by their minor children. The state's Parental Responsibility Law stipulates that parents or legal guardians are responsible for the destruction of property by their minor children up to a certain monetary limit. Additionally, Alabama law recognizes the concepts of negligent supervision and negligent entrustment. Negligent supervision occurs when parents fail to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, leading to damage or injury, while negligent entrustment pertains to parents allowing their child to use an object, such as a vehicle or firearm, which then leads to harm or damage. The specifics of liability, including age and monetary limits, are defined by Alabama statutes, and it is important for parents to be aware of these laws to understand their potential legal responsibilities.