Full question:
I live in Texas. My 13-year-old son had a fight with my neighbor’s son and he broke the windshield of my neighbor’s car. Am I liable for his acts?
- Category: Minors
- Subcategory: Liability of Parent
- Date:
- State: Texas
Answer:
In Texas, parents can be held liable for the actions of their children who are 10 years or older. According to Texas Family Code § 41.001, a parent is responsible for property damage caused by their child's:
- Negligent conduct, if it results from the parent's failure to exercise control and reasonable discipline, or
- Willful and malicious conduct, if the child is between 10 and 17 years old.
Since your son is 13, you may be liable for the damage he caused to your neighbor's car.
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.