Parents and Children Tort Law

Parental Responsibility Parents are responsible for: necessities of life, social and moral development, and must control and supervise child’s behavior

Support The most basic parental responsibility is to support children (food, clothing, etc.)

Support The most basic parental responsibility is to support children (food, clothing, etc.) Historically, the father has shouldered more of the burden when it comes to child support (financial), but courts are now spreading the responsibility to mothers as well

Emancipation Children are set free from the legal control and custody of their parents

Emancipation Children are set free from the legal control and custody of their parents –Generally this is done at the age of majority (18)

Emancipation Children are set free from the legal control and custody of their parents –Generally this is done at the age of majority (18) –If a child gets married, joins the armed forces, or becomes self-supporting

Emancipation Children are set free from the legal control and custody of their parents –Generally this is done at the age of majority (18) –If a child gets married, joins the armed forces, or becomes self-supporting –On the other hand, adult children are in some states required to take care of elderly parents

Other Parental Responsibilities School attendance is required from age 7-16

Other Parental Responsibilities School attendance is required from age 7-16 Supervise child’s health

Other Parental Responsibilities School attendance is required from age 7-16 Supervise child’s health Provide adequate supervision, state laws vary on the age a child can be home alone

Other Parental Responsibilities School attendance is required from age 7-16 Supervise child’s health Provide adequate supervision, state laws vary on the age a child can be home alone May discipline and require chores, determine school, religion, and other aspects

Other Parental Responsibilities School attendance is required from age 7-16 Supervise child’s health Provide adequate supervision, state laws vary on the age a child can be home alone May discipline and require chores, determine school, religion, and other aspects Family car doctrine – parents responsible for any car accidents of their children

What if they fail in responsibilities? If the parent’s act results in an illegal action, parent can be charged with a crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor