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 Wisconsin, parents can be held liable for intentional, willful, or malicious acts of property damage caused by their minor children. The state's parental liability laws are outlined in Wisconsin Statutes section 895.035. According to this statute, parents may be responsible for up to $5,000 in actual damages for the minor's willful, malicious, or wanton acts of property damage or theft. Additionally, parents may be liable for negligent supervision if it can be proven that they failed to exercise reasonable control over their minor child, leading to damage or injury. Furthermore, under the doctrine of negligent entrustment, parents in Wisconsin 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 with it. It's important to note that these laws have specific conditions and limits, and the application of these laws can vary depending on the circumstances of each case.