Can you file a lawsuit against a parent?
Asked by: Mr. Buford Fritsch | Last update: July 8, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (25 votes)
Adult survivors of child abuse have the right to sue the abusing parent. Learn about justice and compensation for victims of child abuse and neglect. Charles R. Gueli, Esq.
Can an adult child sue their parents?
The adult child only has the legal right to sue because they are the representative of their deceased parent's estate. If the adult child were not the representative of the estate, then the person who is the representative would have the right to pursue the non-custodial parent for back-due child support.
Can you sue a parent for negligence?
It may not be conventional, but yes, you can sue your parent, child, or other family member if their negligence injures you! Several years ago, I represented a sweet, young 7-year-old girl who was severely injured when her mom ran a red light, and their car was hit broad-side.
Is it possible to sue a family member?
Forgetting for a moment the advisability of suing your own relative, there is no law preventing you from bringing such a suit. However, the opportunity for fraud is so great that the courts allow insurers to limit insurance coverage for such instances whenever a resident of your own household is involved.
Can an 18 year old sue a parent for child support?
At 18, you are legally an adult and your mother no longer qualifies for child support. If you are in college, the child support may be extended until you have your first degree. You can't sue your father for anything, child support is paid to your mother to provide housing, food and the necessities of life for you.
How to file a lawsuit for Elder Abuse
Can I sue my dad for never paying child support?
In California, a parent or child has 10 years to launch a lawsuit. 10 years past the child's 19th birthday, if the child was in high school past their 18th.
Can a 18 year old sue a 17 year old?
In general, a minor cannot be sued directly due to their legal status and inability to enter into contracts. However, there are instances when a lawsuit may proceed against them indirectly through their parents or legal guardians.
On what grounds can you sue someone UK?
You can make a civil claim about money owed, broken contracts (often called 'a breach of contract'), compensation, and personal injury - including road traffic accidents and workers compensation. You might take someone to the small claims court, or use the fast-track process in a county court.
Can I sue a family member for not paying me back?
Yes, you can sue someone who owes you money. When someone keeps "forgetting" to pay you or flat out refuses to pay up, the situation can quickly become frustrating. You can take the issue to small claims court and pursue legal action if it falls between the minimum and maximum money thresholds under court rules.
Can I sue someone for false accusations?
Defamation of character lawsuit
Your lawsuit must show that this person knew or should have known that their statements were false, but made them anyway in order to deliberately harm you. A civil lawsuit for defamation of character via false allegations of a crime can come in two forms: slander and libel.
What are the reasons to sue a parent?
Physical abuse (non-accidental physical injury) Neglect (failure to provide for a child's basic needs, including physical, medical, emotional, and educational) Abandonment. Emotional/psychological/mental abuse (Includes terrorizing a child with threats of violence or abandonment)
At what age is a parent not legally responsible?
The Duration of Parents' Legal Obligations: The Basics
In most states, parental obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, 18 years old. But, check the laws of your state, as the age of majority can be different from one state to the next.
How do you deal with unfair parents?
- Stop trying to please them. ...
- Set and enforce boundaries. ...
- Don't try to change them. ...
- Be mindful of what you share with them. ...
- Know your parents' limitations and work around them — but only if you want to. ...
- Have an exit strategy. ...
- Don't try to reason with them.
Are adult children liable for their parents?
Specifically, California Family Code section 4400 (“FC 4400”) states that, “Except as otherwise provided by law, an adult child shall, to the extent of the adult child's ability, support a parent who is in need and unable to self-maintain by work.”
Can you sue a parent for a child's actions?
Now, all 50 states have some type of law that holds parents liable for damage caused by the conduct of their children. Under many of these laws, a parent's lack of knowledge of the child's conduct is irrelevant, and the parent is liable for damages caused by the child's negligent or wrongful actions.
Can I sue CPS for defamation of character?
Below I'll discuss reasons for a potential lawsuit against CPS: False Allegations: If CPS falsely accuses you of child abuse or neglect, and these allegations harm your reputation or cause emotional distress, you might consider a defamation lawsuit.
Is it worth suing someone with no money?
Essentially, you might think suing someone with no money is futile, but that's not the case. The law protects your rights and allows you to seek compensation if someone causes you harm or loss, regardless of their financial status.
Is it illegal to not pay someone back?
Unfortunately yes. Unless you have a signed document that specifically states a Time, day it must be paid back by there is little you can do to force repayment.
How much does a lawyer cost to sue someone?
Hourly basis: A lawyer who works with you on an hourly basis will charge you for each hour of the time they give you. Hourly rates will vary depending on the layer and your case but can range anywhere from $199 to $295 per hour.
Is suing someone worth it?
Before filing a lawsuit, prospective litigants should consider what they want from a case. Civil courts can only give you money or return property. A judgment cannot fix an underlying family problem or neighborhood feud. Lawsuits cost time and money, even if you get court costs awarded with a judgment in your favor.
Can you sue for emotional distress UK?
This compensation is meant to cover things like the financial loss from an inability to work or the cost of long-term medical treatment of their injuries. However, in addition to compensation for physical harm, UK law also allows victims of medical negligence to claim damages for emotional distress.
Can I sue my child for emotional distress?
Can I Sue a Family Member for Emotional Distress? Yes, if a family member's actions have caused you emotional distress in a manner that has significantly impacted your life, you may be able to sue them for the emotional distress you are suffering or have suffered.
Can a 13 year old sue their parents?
At common law (law made through court decisions), minor children have the right to sue and be sued. But, they do not have the legal capacity to take part in litigation in their own names. During minority, they have to act in court through an adult.
What happens if you sue yourself?
Takeaway 1: It is generally not possible to sue yourself in a court of law as this would be considered a conflict of interest. Takeaway 2: The legal system typically does not allow for individuals to be both the defendant and plaintiff in the same case.