Section 729.5.
Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 729.5.
in effect(a)
If a petition alleges that a minor is a person described by Section 602 and the petition is sustained, the court, in addition to the notice required by any other provision of law, may issue a citation to the minor’s parents or guardians, ordering them to appear in the court at the time and date stated for a hearing to impose a restitution fine pursuant to Section 730.6.
(b)
The citation shall notify the parent or guardian that, at the hearing, the parent or guardian may be held liable for the payment of restitution if the minor is ordered to make restitution to the victim.The citation shall contain a warning that the failure to appear at the time and date stated may result in an order that the parent or guardian pay restitution up to the limits provided for in Sections 1714.1 and 1714.3 of the Civil Code.
(c)
The hearing described in subdivision (b) may be held immediately following the disposition hearing or at a later date, at the option of the court.
(d)
If the parent or guardian fails to appear pursuant to this section, the court may hold the parent or guardian jointly and severally liable with the minor for restitution, subject to the limitations contained in subdivision (b).
(e)
Execution may be issued on an order holding a parent or guardian jointly or severally liable with the minor for restitution in the same manner as on a judgment in a civil action, including any balance unpaid at the termination of the court’s jurisdiction over the minor.
(f)
At any time prior to the full payment of restitution ordered pursuant to this section, a person held liable for payment of restitution may petition the court to modify or vacate the order based on a showing of change in circumstances.
(g)
Service of the citation shall be made on all parents or guardians of the minor whose names and addresses are known to the petitioner.
(h)
Service of the citation shall be made at least 10 days prior to the time and date stated therein for appearance, in the manner provided by law for the service of a summons in a civil action, other than by publication.
(i)
This section shall not apply to any case where a citation has been issued pursuant to Section 742.18.
(j)
Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to make an insurer liable for a loss caused by the willful act of the insured or the insured’s dependents within the meaning of Section 533 of the Insurance Code.
(k)
This section does not apply to foster parents.
References
referencesCal. Civil Code - CIV § 1714.1.
referencesCal. Civil Code - CIV § 1714.3.
referencesCal. Insurance Code - INS § 533.
referencesCal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 602.
referencesCal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 730.6.
referencesCal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 742.18.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026