Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New Jersey

Re: verbal agreement between minors

Whether your son agreed or not, if he negligently caused damage to another or another person's property, then he is legally responsible - in theory. Think about a store - you break it you bought it.....

However a right to judgment is dependant on his being at fault. Also, while they may procure judgment, it is hard to collect blood from a stone.

How you deal with this is up to you. I suggest that you try to come to an understanding and perhaps some type of payment plan if he was negligent. Your son has to understand that his actions have ramifications. The fact that it was unintentional is irrelevant. It is a shame that there was no insurance that would cover the loss, fortunately no one was injured - since that could be a much greater loss and cost.

I would not tolerate any threats though. Either he is responsible and they can try to collect or he is not. Any type of intimidation should not be tolerated and if truly threatening should be reported to the police.

I hope that helps. Best wishes.