Parent's Liablity

[phuongt]

California-

I was wondering what is the extent of liablity of parent for the actions of their child who is still a minor and a member of the parent's household? The child is 16 years of age. Specifically, if a minor enters into a contract and in event breaches the contract can the other party sue the parent for damages and compensation? If so, is there a maximum liability? In this incident, let's assume that there was no way the parent was able to prevent the minor from creating the contract nor knew of its creation.
Thanks

 

[LegalBeagle]

A minor can not enter into legal contracts on there own. Want to expand and explain exactly what has happened?

 

[phuongt]

In this case, this minor was able to enter into a contract because the agreement was made online. The contract was signed by the minor in electronic form via an "agree" button. The company did not know nor ask the age of the person entering into the contract. thanks

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

http://www.lamission.cc.ca.us/law/bus1su99/chp15out.htm

 

[dorenephilpot]

The format or forum of the contract doesn't matter.

Basic contract law: A minor cannot enter into a contract, nor will his parents be liable, except in rare instances, such as if the child entered a contract to buy food to stay alive because his parents weren't taking care of their responsibilities or something else similarly improbable.

If your minor goes out and causes property damage, you are liable up to limits set by the law, however.