Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Connecticut

Legal Parental Responsibilities for Minors

I have two questions regarding legal parental responsiblities of minors.

1) My 17 year-old step-daughter came home with a cell phone. She told my husband it was given to her by her biological mother's adult friend. However,she told her biological mother that someone else had given her the phone. I am very concerned about being legally responsible for paying the cell phone bill, if my step-daughter create an enormous bill and does not pay it. Does it matter if the person who gave her the phone is an adult or minor, in determining if my husband is utlimately responsible for paying the bill?

2) My 17 year-old step-daughter borrowed a car from a friend with their parents permission. While she was using the car, the car overheated, as a results the headcaskets were blown. The total cost of repairs to the car was $3,500. Who is responsible? Does my husband have to pay for the repairs? Or do the friend's parents have to take responsibility for the outcome of their allowing my step daughter using the car?


Asked on 3/19/02, 4:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Victor Hobbs Victor E. Hobbs

Re: Legal Parental Responsibilities for Minors

I suspect your step daughter got the phone for herself. Children can't contract. However, they can ruin their credit. The creditor that contracts with a minor does so at their own risk. This is the general rule. And applies in both of your scenerios. A negligent or intentional act that hurts someone is different.

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Answered on 3/19/02, 7:02 pm


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