Full question:
What are the responsibilities / liabilities of a parent in Tennessee who's 18 year old daughter has moved out of our home to live elsewhere? She is still enrolled in high school - so does the age of majority change to 19? We want nothing to do with with her but are concerned that we could still be held liable for her actions outside of our home...
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Age of Majority
- Date:
- State: Tennessee
Answer:
In Tennessee, simply being enrolled in high school does not change the age of majority from eighteen to nineteen. Once a child turns eighteen, they are generally considered an adult unless a court order, such as a child support order or guardianship, requires parents to provide care beyond that age.
According to Tennessee law, parents can be held liable for their minor child's actions if they are aware of the child's tendency to commit wrongful acts and have the opportunity to control their behavior but fail to do so. This liability is outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-10-103. Additionally, parents can be liable for damages caused by a minor living with them under certain conditions (Tenn. Code Ann. § 37-10-101).
In your case, since your daughter is now eighteen and living independently, your responsibility for her actions is likely limited unless you have a court order requiring you to support her.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.