DOCTRINE OF NECESSARIES
doctrine of necessaries. 1. The rule holding a parent or spouse liable to anyone who sells
goods or provides medical services to that person’s child or spouse if the goods or services are
required for sustenance, support, or healthcare. 2.Archaic. The common-law rule holding a
husband or father liable to anyone who sells goods to his wife or child if the goods are required for
sustenance or support. See NECESSARIES. [Cases: Husband and Wife 19.] [Blacks Law 8th]