US Legal Forms
Legal Resources
Questions & Answers
Minors
Am I liable for damage caused by my unemancipated son?

Am I liable for damage caused by my unemancipated son?

Q: Can I be sued for my child's actions in Vermont?

Yes, in Vermont, you can be sued for damages caused by your unemancipated child. As a parent, you are responsible for your child's actions, particularly if they cause harm or damage to others. The law allows for liability up to $5,000 for property damage caused by minors (15 V.S.A. § 901).

Q: What is the liability limit for parents of minors in Vermont?

In Vermont, the liability limit for parents of unemancipated minors is $5,000 for damages caused by their children. This applies when the minor willfully or maliciously damages property. Each parent's liability is separate for their respective child (15 V.S.A. § 901).

Q: Are parents responsible for all actions of their unemancipated children?

Parents are generally responsible for the actions of their unemancipated children, especially when those actions result in property damage or injury. In Vermont, this responsibility includes financial liability for damages up to $5,000, as specified in Vermont law (15 V.S.A. § 901).

Q: What should I do if my child causes damage to someone else's property?

If your child causes damage to someone else's property, it's important to address the situation promptly. You may need to communicate with the affected party and discuss how to resolve the issue, which could include paying for repairs. Remember that you may be legally liable for the damages under Vermont law (15 V.S.A. § 901).

Full question:

My son (16 year old) lives separately, although he is not emancipated yet. He recently got into a fight with his neighbor’s son and damaged the neighbor’s car. For the sole reason that my son is unemancipated and a minor, am I legally liable for the damage caused to the neighbor’s car? We live in Vermont.

Category: Minors
Subcategory: Liability of Parent
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Vermont

Answer:

Yes, as the parent of an unemancipated minor, you are responsible for their actions, including any damage caused. In Vermont, if an unemancipated minor under the age of eighteen willfully or maliciously damages property, either parent can be held liable. According to Vermont law (15 V.S.A. § 901), parents are liable for damages up to $5,000, provided the minor would be liable if they were an adult. If multiple minors cause damage, each parent is liable for their respective child, also up to $5,000. This liability is in addition to any other legal remedies that may exist.

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.

FAQs

What happens if my unemancipated son damages someone else's property?

If your unemancipated son damages someone else's property, you may be held liable for the costs of repair or replacement. In Vermont, parents can be responsible for up to $5,000 in damages caused by their minor children, as long as the minor would be liable if they were an adult. This is outlined in Vermont law (15 V.S.A. § 901).