Are we responsible for my 17 y/o stepson-Mom let him quit school & lets him drive w/o license or insurance?

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Risk_Kay	Yes, only if he is driving his Father's car. If he is living with his Mother, and he is driving his Mother's car, she will be held responsible if he has a wreck. She would also be responsible for any other misdeed he may get into...as he is living with her. Suggest you call your attorney for legal advise on this matter. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Chris	In some situations and in some states parents can be named in lawsuits when minors are in at fault losses. It's vicarious liability. Fortunately, there's not that much time left before he's 18. The other thing is that the owner of a car he drives can also be named in a lawsuit for negligent entrustment if he/she lets him drive knowing he's unlicensed or has a bad driving record, etc. Heck, there doesn't need to be any evidence that the owner knew for someone to be named in the suit. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

MoltarRocks	If he lives with Mom and drives Mom's car, you're essentially 2nd in line. If he's driving your or your husband's car, he shouldn't be until he gets licensed. You might still get 'pulled in' if there is a suit against him using Mom's car, especially if her insurance is inadequate or doesn't exist. I'd report him, quite frankly. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

oklatom	Bottom line, yes, and they probably will go after dad since he seems more reasonable and probably has deeper pockets also. Mother is causing child endangerment of course by allowing it, and could be reported. I think if it were me, I'd drop into the local police station and ask their advice on it. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Ellyn	If it was me, I would pay the money to get an attorney to help with this matter. I would not want to take the chance of someting happening. What is wrong with that mother? Doesn't she care that she is responsible for him too? Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

my_iq_135	You need to get into court and seek sole custody before mommy-dear ruins this boys life. How long before the g/f "accidentally" gets pregnant? Is this boy ready to raise a kid? I doubt it as he has not shown any ability to make a single smart choice in life yet. As for liability, mom can loose whatever she has for this crap. Whoever owns the vehicle is liable for allowing this to go on. I suggest quite strongly you contact the local police to let them know what is going on. There are several serious laws being ignored here that could get someone killed. The police can be on the look out for the car and have it impounded to get it off the streets. The boy and the owner would then face fines for the illegal actions they are doing. Get this boy off the road and back in school under your roof. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Wil T	Yes the father can be liable. At 17, this guy can get a license. You should encourage him to get one. Try to have a sit-down with the mother. This kid is sliding down a sad slippery road... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

a99blkdog	yes..joint custody means just that. get a lawyer to get him a minors emancipation...meaning hes on his own... do it quick Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

Doug R	Yes, you can be held liable until he is 18, so if you have joint custody, why are you letting this happen? The Mom is endandering a child, and can be prosecuted. Go to a lawyer and get a good answer - it may cost a little now to save you a lot later. This kid needs discipline now!! I raised three boys, and two of them got in trouble even within the influence of a good home. I cannot even conceive the trouble this kid can get into by going along the path he is on now. If you love the boy, do something now before it is too late!! Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

?	to my knowledge the parent's are both responsible for the actions of their children. If he causes damage to property or personal injury the will go where the money is. especially if you carry insurance for him (ie: Medical) this would show financial responsibility. It sounds like he needs a good butt kicking, I am also glad to here that she is you ex - she does not seem like a good role model for your son.. I may fight to get custody away from her or get her on the same page... Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No

roady42	Whoever the car is owned by, plus maybe the kids parents, will be responsible when he kills somebody. Was this answer helpful to you? Yes / No