Can you sue another parent?

Asked by: Ilene Nolan  |  Last update: March 31, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (57 votes)

Pursuing a claim against the parents depends on two key factors. First, the other child's parents must have known that their child was going to hurt yours or could foresee the likelihood of harm. Second, the other parents would have to have the circumstances and ability to restrain their child at the time of the act.

Can a parent sue another parent?

You may be able to pursue a claim against the parents if you can prove the following two elements: The parents knew or should have known the likelihood that their child would cause harm to someone else; and. The parents had the ability and opportunity to control their child at the time of the child's actions.

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)

Can you sue your parents for having you without your consent?

The decision to have children is considered a personal choice protected by reproductive autonomy rights. Family law statutes typically focus on issues related to child custody, support, and visitation rather than allowing individuals to sue their parents for giving birth without consent.

Can a minor sue their parents?

For example, if a minor child is injured in a car accident caused by the intentional or reckless conduct of their parent, they may be able to sue their parent for damages. Additionally, in some states, parents can be held liable for the negligent operation of a vehicle if it is used for commercial purposes.

Can a parent sue another parent?

29 related questions found

Did a girl sue her parents for having her?

A woman from New Jersey, United States, claimed that she sued her parents for giving birth to her without her consent. She joked that "they didn't try to contact me in anyway before I was born to see if I actually wanted to be here." Kass Theaz, the TikToker mentions in her bio that her account is "satire".

Can an adult child sue a parent?

An adult child suing for child support may be able to sue a parent for child support in arrears, if the adult child is the designated executor or representative of their custodial parent's estate.

Can your parents take your phone if you bought it?

So legally speaking, no. Even for minors, the law on personal property applies the same as it does to adults. This means that if you paid for your own phone and you are paying for it from your job, your parents have no right to take it from you at all. Technically, you could sue them for that.

Can you sue a 17 year old?

Takeaway 1: Minors can be sued, but the process is more complex as they are not considered legally capable of making decisions for themselves. Takeaway 2: When a minor is sued, their parent or legal guardian is usually named in the lawsuit to represent them.

Can a parent lose custody for false accusations?

California courts can impose consequences on a parent who makes false accusations against the other. One common outcome is a reduction in custody rights for the accuser, as judges are keen to prevent one parent from using dishonest tactics to gain an advantage.

How do I prove my ex is lying about income?

Your attorney has several legal avenues available for uncovering the truth. These may include subpoenas for your ex's pay stubs, bank statements, credit card statements, or tax returns. Your attorney may also submit a request for sworn testimony from your ex about his or her financial assets.

Can a parent sue another parent for child support?

Suppose you are a parent with custody of the child, and the non-custodial parent refuses to help provide financial support. In that case, you can go to court and get a court order that requires that parent to make regularly scheduled child support payments.

Can I sue my ex for malicious parent syndrome?

Some people also ask, “Can you sue for malicious parent syndrome?” If you can prove a parent is acting maliciously, you can potentially use it as grounds to modify your current custody order.

How do you deal with unfair parents?

Consider trying the following strategies:
  1. Stop trying to please them. ...
  2. Set and enforce boundaries. ...
  3. Don't try to change them. ...
  4. Be mindful of what you share with them. ...
  5. Know your parents' limitations and work around them — but only if you want to. ...
  6. Have an exit strategy. ...
  7. Don't try to reason with them.

Can you sue for custody of someone else's child?

In addition to grandparents, other family members and even friends may sue for legal and/or physical custody of a child if they have acted in loco parentis to a child.

Can I move out at 16?

In order to be emancipated and move out at 16, you must be able to prove to the court that you have a source of income and can support yourself financially. This typically means having a job that pays well enough to cover things like rent, groceries, and bills.

Is it illegal to use your parents' address?

Yes - it's legal. It's the address where you can best be contacted. The only time you will get in trouble is when you are fraudulently listing an address, and for that you have to gain from the deception or try to.

Can my parents take my stuff when I'm 18?

And No. 3, once you turn 18, they can't take your stuff anymore.

How do you deal with a disrespectful grown child?

13 Ways to Deal With a Disrespectful Grown Child
  1. Take a Deep Breath Before Responding. ...
  2. Remain Respectful. ...
  3. Set Clear Boundaries. ...
  4. Consistently Reinforce the Boundaries. ...
  5. Make Sure You Have Realistic Expectations. ...
  6. Be Open to Listening & Empathizing. ...
  7. Acknowledge Your Mistakes & Apologize. ...
  8. Call Out Disrespectful Behavior.

Can I sue an absent parent?

A judge may consider such a request, but will most likely only grant the petition when there are dire circumstances. These include violent behavior or being able to demonstrate that a parent has clearly abandoned their child based on the length of time that they have not visited or had contact with their child.

Can I sue my child's father for emotional distress?

U.S. courts recognize emotional distress as a type of damage that can be awarded to a plaintiff via a civil lawsuit. Learn more about what you can sue someone for. Emotional distress damages fall under the legal umbrella of pain and suffering — another legal concept that is classified as non-economic damages.

What is the youngest age you can sue?

Legally, minors do not have the legal capacity to be able to file a lawsuit against another party. An adult over the age of 18 must accompany a minor when filing the lawsuit.

What are the reasons you can sue your parents?

It includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Victims of child abuse and neglect deserve justice.

Can you sue a woman for lying about you being the father?

Yes, a man can sue the child's mother if she lied about him being the father. According to the statute of limitations in California, filing a petition to disestablish paternity is five years.