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 Mexico, parents can be held liable for the willful, intentional, or malicious acts of property damage caused by their minor children under the New Mexico Parental Responsibility Act. This law typically applies to minors under the age of 18. The state imposes a monetary limit on the damages for which parents can be held responsible, which may be subject to change and should be verified with current statutes. Additionally, parents in New Mexico may be liable for negligent supervision if it can be shown that they failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, which then led to damage or injury. Furthermore, the concept of negligent entrustment applies when a parent allows a minor to use an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the minor causes damage or injury due to their incompetence or recklessness. The specific provisions, including age and monetary limits, are detailed in New Mexico's statutes and may be found within the family code or other relevant sections of state law.