Am I obligated to help my parents financially?

Asked by: Robert Hartmann  |  Last update: October 8, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (4 votes)

Filial laws require children to provide for parents' basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care. The extent of filial responsibility varies by state, along with conditions that make it enforceable including the parent's age and the adult child's financial situation.

Are you financially responsible for your elderly parents?

In the US, the elderly parents are responsible for themselves and only the parents. The children are not obligated or responsible for their parents in any way. It's a children's choice if they want to get involved with caring for elderly parents. Some cannot or will not have any involvement in elder care.

Is it my responsibility to help my parents financially?

Children are legally NOT obligated to pay for their parents financial obligations. I would suggest that the parents, their children, and whoever holds their financial power of attorney or guardianship sit down with a financial planner or social services to find ways to pay for their caregiving needs.

Is it our obligation to help your parents?

It is not an obligation but it is the right thing to do, especially regarding your parents. Your parents were there for you and took care of all of your needs. Now in your parents golden years they may need some financial help or physical help. You should offer to help them out.

Are you obligated to give your parents money?

In the US, the answer is generally no...you have no legal obligation to pay your parents' bills. However, if you have the means to enable them to live safely in a place they could not otherwise afford, it makes sense to help with the bills.... especially if you can't offer them a place to live in your home.

How to Care for Financially Unstable Parents

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What does the Bible say about children helping their parents financially?

Deuteronomy 5:16

We are to honor our parents our whole lives, including caring for them if they need it. There are some caveats to this which we'll touch on later, but if your parents need your help and you can do so financially, you are encouraged to do so.

Are you obligated to support your parents?

Specifically, California Family Code section 4400 (“FC 4400”) states that, “Except as otherwise provided by law, an adult child shall, to the extent of the adult child's ability, support a parent who is in need and unable to self-maintain by work.”

Should kids financially support their parents?

“Helping your parents is one of the most noble things you can do,” Kirsten said. Taking care of parents financially, however, shouldn't be done at the risk of your own financial stability, she said.

What does the Bible say about children helping their parents?

Read 1 Timothy 5 : 8, says: Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Ephesians 6 : 1 - 3, says: Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

What states legally require you to care for elderly parents?

The states that have such laws on the books are Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, ...

What do we owe our elderly parents?

Ultimately, she says, there's something at least as important as giving time, physical care, a place to stay or even money. “I think the one thing we really owe our parents is respect,” she said. “That is very easy with parents like yours and mine.

What to do when your parents are struggling financially?

Tips for helping your parents financially
  1. Ask your family to help. ...
  2. Consider selling the home. ...
  3. Explore the option of bankruptcy. ...
  4. Help your parents apply for assistance. ...
  5. Help your parents cut expenses. ...
  6. Help your parents earn some income. ...
  7. Plan before there's a bigger problem. ...
  8. Try negotiating with your parent's creditors.

Is my parents debt my responsibility?

Your mother or father may have had substantial credit card debt, a mortgage, or cr loan. The short answer to the question is no, you will not be personally responsible for the debt, but failure to pay such a debt can affect the use and control of secured assets like real estate and vehicles.

Can I refuse to take care of my parents?

Criminal penalties: In some cases, refusing to support your indigent parent may be considered a misdemeanor offense in California. If convicted, you could face up to a year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Am I financially responsible for my adult child?

The Family Code makes it clear both parents have an equal responsibility to support a child “of whatever age who is incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means.” The California Legislature has not limited the application of the state child support guidelines to minor children.

Which US states have filial responsibility laws?

States with filial responsibility laws are: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, ...

What does the Bible say about not helping your parents?

As both you and your parents grow older, you'll find that you have the privilege of caring and providing for them. Paul wrote to Timothy, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

What does the Bible say about helping your parents financially?

The Bible says that it is good and acceptable before God to requite our parents, and if you fail to do this, you have denied the faith and are worse than an infidel (1 Tim 5:3-4, 8). I want to honor God by being obedient and doing what he has asked me to do. I also love my parents very much.

Does the Bible tell you to take care of your parents?

First Timothy 5:4 is probably the most to-the-point text in the Bible. It says, “If a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” “Are we ready to make sacrifices for our parents?

Am I responsible for my parents financially?

Most filial laws require you to support your parents' basic living needs. These can include food, medical bills (mental and physical), housing, and additional care they receive, such as stays at nursing homes.

What is the obligation to help parents?

Filial responsibility laws (filial support laws, filial piety laws) are laws in the United States that impose a duty, usually upon adult children, for the support of their impoverished parents or other relatives. In some cases the duty is extended to other relatives.

Do I have to give my parents money?

You can give in-kind help — dropping off food and medicine or doing repair work. You can help them figure out other sources of income, like food stamps. But you can't help them if you don't have your own budget and manage your own finances. So, the answer to whether you should give your parents money comes full circle.

Should children support their parents financially?

The obligation of children to support their parents is not absolute. It is contingent upon the parents being in need, meaning they are unable to support themselves through their own efforts or resources. This typically applies to parents who are elderly, sick, or otherwise incapacitated.

Is it my responsibility to help my parents?

In the United States, there is generally no legal requirement for adult children to provide care for their aging parents. However, some states have "filial responsibility" laws that may impose financial responsibility on adult children under specific circumstances.

Am I forced to take care of my parents?

Yes, you can refuse to care for elderly parents. However, filial responsibility laws obligate children to provide their parents with clothing, food, housing, and medical attention. In the United States, each state has its laws requiring children to take care of their elderly parents.