In general, most debts incurred by minors are not enforceable. Because minors may not be legally obligated to pay a debt, a debt collector may be prohibited under the FDCPA from discussing a debt directly with the minor. Under the FDCPA, the parents of the minor are considered the consumer, at least for purposes of communication. Thus, a debt collector could discuss a minor's debt with her parents.

However, while contracts with minors are unenforceable in most instances, there are circumstances where a contract made by a minor may be enforceable against parents who were not parties to the contract, and in some instances, against the minor herself. When a minor contracts for necessities such as medical care, food, shelter or clothing, the parents of the minor may be responsible even in the event they did not cosign for the services. This is due to the common law doctrine of necessaries. This principal places a duty on parents to provide support for their minor child's necessary expenses. State law will determine whether or not the doctrine of necessaries applies.