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]