Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Virginia

Howowner's Liability

Our adult daughter and her husband are moving in with us while they look for jobs and find an apartment. If they get into any legal trouble, accidents, etc. can my husband and I be held responsible in anyway since they are living in our home. Could our home owner's insurance be liable for any actions on their part.

Thank you


Asked on 4/08/03, 12:08 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Howowner's Liability

If your daughter and husband are adults you would

have no legal responsibility for their actions merely becuase they're living in your home.

Furthermore, I don't see how your homeowner's insurer could be in any way responsible for them or their actions, but you might want to read through the fine print in your policy to see what kinds of claims might be covered by additional people such as these taking up residence in your household.

Read more
Answered on 4/08/03, 5:48 pm
Daniel Hawes Hawes & Associates

Re: Howowner's Liability

No, and yes.

Unless you co-operate with them somehow, or facilitate their actions (e.g., loan them your car when you know they have a history of drunk driving), they are independent even though they live with you and responsible for their own actions.

If they create conditions on your property which injures a third party, your insurance should cover it. As Mr. Hendrickson suggests, you should always read and make sure you understand your insurance policy, even if it takes three days of slogging through the gobbledygook.

Read more
Answered on 4/09/03, 7:56 am


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in Virginia