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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 Washington State, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful destruction of property by their minor children under RCW 4.24.190. This statute limits parental liability to $5,000 in damages. Additionally, parents may be responsible for their child's negligent acts if it can be proven that the parents failed to exercise proper supervision (negligent supervision) or if they negligently entrusted their child with an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, that contributed to the damage or injury (negligent entrustment). The specifics of these liabilities, including the conditions under which parents are held responsible and any monetary caps, are defined by state law and can vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

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Child custody

parental liability for conduct of child

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Washington State Code

Washington State Code

Child custody

parental liability for conduct of child

Articles