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 North Carolina, parents can be held liable for the willful or malicious acts of their minor children that result in property damage. This liability is typically limited to a certain monetary amount. For example, under North Carolina General Statutes § 1-538.1, parents may be responsible for up to $2,000 in property damages caused by minors. Additionally, parents can be held liable for negligent supervision if it can be shown that they failed to exercise proper control and supervision over their child, leading to the damage. Furthermore, the concept of negligent entrustment applies in North Carolina, meaning that if a parent negligently allows a minor to use an instrumentality such as a car or firearm, and the minor causes damage or injury with it, the parent can be held liable. It's important to note that these laws are subject to specific conditions and limitations, and the application of these laws can vary depending on the circumstances of each case.