Can you sue the parents of a minor?
Asked by: Lia VonRueden | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 5/5 (65 votes)
Yes, you can often sue the parents of a minor if the child's actions caused you harm, especially if the parents were negligent in supervising them or if state laws impose parental liability for willful acts, though success depends on proving parental fault or specific statutory violations, with liability often falling on insurance rather than the minor's personal assets. You can sue the minor directly too, but parents become involved if they failed to control a known dangerous child, or under specific laws for things like vandalism or car accidents where parents sign for licenses.
Can you sue a minor's parents?
California Parental Responsibility Laws
In California, a parent can be liable for the willful misconduct of their minor children. Willful misconduct is considered an action beyond mere negligence and generally requires intent.
At what age can you sue your parents?
When the individual entitled to bring a suit is a child who remains in the care of his or her parent or custodial guardian, the statute does not begin to run until the child is 18 years old.
How much does it usually cost to sue?
Average lawsuit costs vary dramatically, from around $1,000-$5,000 for small claims to tens or even hundreds of thousands for complex civil cases, with median costs for typical matters like auto or employment disputes ranging from $43,000 to over $122,000, depending heavily on complexity, case type, attorney fees (often hourly or contingency), and expert witness involvement.
Can a suit be filed against a minor?
List of all likely guardians ad litem to be filed—(a) In suits where the defendant is a minor, the plaintiff shall file with the plaint a list of relatives and all other persons with correct addresses, who prima facie are most likely to be capable of acting as guardian for the minor defendant in the suit.
Can You Sue Your Parents For Child Abuse? - CountyOffice.org
At what age can you sue someone?
Being under the age of majority -- which is set by statute in most states at 18 -- children generally aren't able to file lawsuits themselves, requiring the help of parent or a guardian appointed by the court.
What rights do minors not have?
Although children are afforded increasing rights as they mature, they are still not given the following rights until they reach the age of adulthood: the right to vote, enlist in the military (seventeen-year-olds are allowed but only with parental consent), consent to any medical treatments, and to take legal action on ...
Do you get a free lawyer if you sue someone?
Legal Aid is free legal assistance provided to people who cannot afford an attorney in civil matters. Although Americans have a right to an attorney when accused of a crime, they do not have a right to a lawyer when facing civil issues.
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate.
Is filing a lawsuit worth it?
First, you must ask yourself if you have a good case. Second, you should ask whether you'd be satisfied with a settlement or going to dispute resolution if you file a lawsuit. Finally, assuming you win your lawsuit, you need to ask yourself whether you'll be able to collect any form of judgment.
Who can't be sued?
Sovereign immunity is a common law doctrine under which a sovereign (e.g., a federal or state government) cannot be sued without its consent. Sovereign immunity in the United States was derived from the British common law, which was based on the idea that the King could do no wrong.
What do kids not have rights to?
They aren't considered capable of handling the same rights as mature adults. For example, children don't have certain political rights like the right to vote. They also can't own property or consent to most types of medical treatment alone.
Is it better to sue or settle?
It's generally better to settle for faster, private, and less expensive resolution, avoiding trial risk, but suing (litigating) might be better if liability is disputed, you need maximum compensation for severe injuries, or the defendant won't negotiate fairly, though it's slower, costlier, and public. The best choice depends on your case's strength, financial needs, goals (closure vs. precedent), and the defendant's willingness to compromise.
Can I sue someone for $1?
There are three types of money damages. The first type is an award of nominal damages. Nominal damages are frequently just $1, or some other very small sum of money. Nominal damages are awarded when you have proven a violation of your rights, but you have not shown any actual harm that can be compensated.
Does a father have 50/50 rights?
If the father has been actively involved and can demonstrate he can meet the child's needs, 50/50 arrangements are possible, especially if both parents live nearby and can communicate effectively.
Can I sue parents for bullying?
All 50 states have anti-bullying laws with varying degrees of severity. Most states also have laws outlining parents' civil and criminal liability. And, in some cases, parents can be held liable if their child bullies another person—even those with no knowledge of the behavior.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?
No, Kim Kardashian is not yet a lawyer or attorney; she is still working towards passing the California Bar Exam, having recently failed it again in late 2025, despite completing her legal studies through an apprenticeship program and passing the \"baby bar\" in 2021. She consistently expresses her commitment to becoming a licensed attorney, viewing her setbacks as motivation to keep studying for the full bar exam.
How old is the youngest lawyer?
The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.
What not to say to your attorney?
You should not tell a lawyer to downplay injuries, admit fault, lie, exaggerate, withhold details, or trash-talk others involved; avoid telling them how to do their job, comparing them to other lawyers, being overly casual (like saying "you guys"), or discussing irrelevant personal info, as honesty is key, but focus on facts and let the lawyer guide strategy, especially regarding admissions or social media posts.
How much money is enough to sue?
You don't need a fixed amount of money to start a lawsuit, but costs vary widely, from under $100 for small claims court filing fees to tens or hundreds of thousands for complex cases with lawyers, with personal injury often using "no win, no fee" (contingency) arrangements where you pay a percentage (30-40%) if you win. Initial out-of-pocket expenses (filing fees, retainers) can range from under $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on court, case type, and lawyer.
What is the 10 10 10 rule for divorce?
The "10/10 Rule" in military divorce determines if a former spouse receives direct payments from the military pension, requiring at least 10 years of marriage that overlap with 10 years of the service member's creditable military service. If this rule is met, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) sends the court-ordered portion directly to the ex-spouse; if not, the service member pays the ex-spouse directly, though the court can still award a share of the pension. This rule affects how payments are made, not the eligibility for pension division itself, which is decided by state law.
What is the 777 rule for kids?
The "777 rule" for kids has two main interpretations: a parenting strategy focusing on 21 minutes of daily, distraction-free connection (7 mins morning, 7 mins afternoon, 7 mins night) for emotional bonding, and another guideline suggesting a 3-stage developmental approach (0-7 Play, 7-14 Teach, 14-21 Guide). Both emphasize intentional, quality interaction to build strong relationships and support children's growth through different life stages, though one version also includes a screen-time rule (7 hours/week, 7 ft distance, 7 days before events).
What is the biggest mistake in a custody battle?
The inability of parents to consistently control their emotions, and avoid emotional decision making, is the most common mistake we see in child custody cases. The reason: it is such an easy mistake to make, and so pervasive in all aspects of the case.
At what age do children gain full rights?
Age of Majority | This is the age that a state sets for a minor to become an adult and assume legal responsibility for himself/herself and all decisions that accompany that (e.g., financial, medical, educational). In most states, this is age 18.