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Child custody

parental liability for conduct of child

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 Montana, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful acts of property damage committed by their minor children. This liability is typically limited to a certain monetary amount. Additionally, parents may be responsible for their child's negligent actions if it can be proven that the parents failed to supervise the child adequately (negligent supervision) or if they negligently entrusted their child with an item such as a car, gun, boat, or motorcycle (negligent entrustment). The specifics of these laws, including the age of the child and the monetary limits of liability, are defined by Montana state statutes. It is important for parents to be aware of these laws as they can have significant financial and legal implications.

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Child custody

parental liability for conduct of child

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Montana State Code

Montana State Code

Child custody

parental liability for conduct of child

Articles