父债子还 existed in ancient chinese culture n tinking ... it does not exist in any legal system ...
nothing can escape the pendulum swing of the karma
the father will suffer when he sees the son suffers
the son will suffer to see the father suffers
it's a vicious cycle - self perpetuating with increasing suffering and agony
break this vicious cycle by turning over a new leaf
a very powerful good karma will alleviate the dire consequences of an evil karma
but suffering will continue nevertheless with less catastrophe