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 Dakota, parents can be held liable for willful or malicious acts of property damage committed by their minor children under North Dakota Century Code 32-03-09.1. This statute limits parental liability to $2,500 for each act of vandalism or willful destruction. Additionally, parents may be liable for negligent supervision if it can be shown that they failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, which resulted in damage or injury. Regarding negligent entrustment, parents in North Dakota could be held liable if they negligently allow their minor child to use an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes damage or injury. The specific circumstances and the parents' knowledge of the child's propensity to misuse the instrumentality are factors that would be considered in such cases. It's important to note that these laws are subject to change, and the application of liability may vary depending on the details of each case.