If he stays at our place and goes out at night without our knowledge (we're sleeping) and gets hurt or does something illegal, would I, myself, as the girlfriend be held legally liable? Please help - this is a major problem with my boyfriend and me - and his son is coming to stay this weekend. He's 14 and already has been getting into minor, but still, trouble.
2006-09-06 11:11:25 · 7 answers · asked by michael c 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
You're personally not liable, BUT if he's your house guest and he does damage to a neighbor's property your home owner's insurance could be tagged, as he's an extension of your home, so to speak. You're inflicting him on the neighbors, by allowing him to stay at your home.
If he gets hurt is an interesting thing to worry about. Are you concerned his mother will come after you for being a neglectful caretaker?? If that's an issue, and I'm not being a smart-*** here, you need a new boyfriend! The kid is only 14, it's only going to get worse before it gets better, and he should be clear with this child that he either toes the discipline line or doesn't' come to visit. Period.
Children do recognize when they have pushed too far. If he crosses the line, no more visits. Period. Your boyfriend has to stay firm on this and be a parent, not a buddy. He'll thank me later! :)
2006-09-06 12:02:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to be married or blood to be liable. Merely perceived as a responsible party and/or guardian of the minor. This is especially so if the kid brings the trouble home with him.
You really need to talk with a lawyer about protecting your rights and your money/possessions. This is especially so in common law states. One consideration that you should look into any way is to avoid, at all costs, co-mingling your finances. A joint checking account is absolutely the worst thing you could do if you want to preserve a separation between you and your significant other.
2006-09-06 18:22:08 · answer #2 · answered by Quinton1969 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You not are legally responsible for your boyfriends son but you are responsible to do your best to keep him out of trouble if you can as long as you live with his father and he is your home.
2006-09-06 18:17:34 · answer #3 · answered by shelshe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends is it your home or your boyfriend if it is your home you do have a certain amount of responsibility it would be just like if you invited someone over and they fell down or something you could still be held reliable for this but most of responsibility would belong to the father
2006-09-06 18:18:41 · answer #4 · answered by CeCi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, he is not your legal son and you are not his legal guardian. Your boyfriend would be. You might be responsible if you own the home and he harmed someone on your property...not sure.
2006-09-06 18:17:30 · answer #5 · answered by The Big Shot 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No If your boyfriend is home, if your boyfriend is not home and you are in basic the "babysitter" then you could be.
Put an alarm on the door and/or windows, where he can't sneak out, did that for my boys.
2006-09-06 20:03:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No!! He's not under your' care!! His father , he is staying home. the father is responsible, for the son until he's 18 years old!!!
Do not worry!! He has Papa!!! And you'r not his mama!! Thank God!!!!!!
2006-09-06 18:16:31 · answer #7 · answered by alfonso 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋