diff --git a/common-parameters/src/main/java/org/onap/policy/common/parameters/GroupValidationResult.java b/common-parameters/src/main/java/org/onap/policy/common/parameters/GroupValidationResult.java
index ad2eb69..fd68045 100644
--- a/common-parameters/src/main/java/org/onap/policy/common/parameters/GroupValidationResult.java
+++ b/common-parameters/src/main/java/org/onap/policy/common/parameters/GroupValidationResult.java
@@ -109,7 +109,12 @@
 
         // Nested parameter groups are allowed
         if (ParameterGroup.class.isAssignableFrom(fieldType)) {
-            return new GroupValidationResult((ParameterGroup) fieldObject);
+            if (null != fieldObject) {
+                return ((ParameterGroup) fieldObject).validate();
+            }
+            else {
+                return new GroupValidationResult((ParameterGroup) fieldObject);
+            }
         }
 
         // Nested maps of parameter groups are allowed