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 New Jersey, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful destruction of property by their minor child under certain circumstances. New Jersey law, specifically N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-15, states that parents or guardians are responsible for the acts of a minor child when the child willfully, maliciously, or intentionally damages the property of another. The statute limits the liability to $5,000. Additionally, parents may be liable for negligent supervision if it can be proven that they failed to exercise reasonable supervision over their minor child, leading to property damage. Furthermore, under the doctrine of negligent entrustment, parents in New Jersey could be held liable if they negligently allow their minor child to use an instrumentality, such as a car or firearm, and the child causes damage or injury. 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.