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 Kentucky, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful property damage caused by their minor children. The state's parental responsibility laws stipulate that parents may be required to compensate for damages resulting from their child's deliberate actions. Additionally, Kentucky law recognizes the concepts of negligent supervision and negligent entrustment. Negligent supervision occurs when parents fail to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, and this lack of supervision leads to harm or damage. Negligent entrustment applies when parents allow their child to use an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes damage or injury due to their inability or incompetence to handle the item safely. The specifics of these liabilities, including age and monetary limits, are defined by Kentucky statutes. It is important for parents to understand these laws as they outline the potential financial responsibilities that may arise from the actions of their minor children.