Legal Question in Consumer Law in Illinois

My son is 17 Yrs, old and signed a contract to pay for Martial Arts Lessons. He has a job and is unable to attend classes. He informed the Martial Arts place, But they more or said too bad-your liable for the remaining payments/contract. I told him to put a stop payment on his account and beacuse he is a minor, may not be legally liable?? They said they would turn him over to a collection agency if he doesn't pay. Will this hurt his credit? Is he legally liable, even though he is only 17?


Asked on 8/15/10, 8:20 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Caroline Palmer Law firm of Caroline Palmer

The law states that parents are responsible for their underage child's necessities like food and clothes. Since marital arts lessons are not necessities, your son would be responsible for the debt, unless you agreed to be liable for it in writing. However, if he did not attend any lessons then he is owed a complete refund of any money paid. If he attended some lessons, he is liable to the studio for the amount they charge for those lessons. If he does not pay the debt it will hurt his credit and he could run the risk of being sued for the money and having his wages garnished.

In order to avoid a law suit, you should contact the studio and work out an agreement with them or pay the debt yourself and either recoup the money from your son or consider it a gift.

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Answered on 9/22/10, 10:46 am


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