Can I be held responsible for my adult child's debt?

Asked by: Ms. Shania Lehner  |  Last update: February 12, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes)

Generally, family members are not responsible for debts incurred by other family members. So, for example, you would not be responsible for the debts incurred by your parents or adult children.

Are parents liable for adult children's debt?

Debt Ownership: Legally, parents are not responsible for their adult child's debt unless they co-signed a loan or are otherwise legally obligated. Bankruptcy: If an adult child files for bankruptcy, parents typically do not have to pay off that debt, unless they are co-debtors. Support vs.

Am I financially responsible for my adult child?

Debt Ownership: Legally, parents are not responsible for their adult child's debt unless they co-signed a loan or are otherwise legally obligated. Bankruptcy: If an adult child files for bankruptcy, parents typically do not have to pay off that debt, unless they are co-debtors. Support vs.

Can I be held responsible for my son's debt?

No, a parent is not legally responsible for a child's debt. Neither is an offspring responsible for their parents debt, including when the parent passes away with unpaid debt.

Am I legally responsible for my parents' debt?

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.

Should I Still Be Giving Money To My Adult Kids?

33 related questions found

Are adult children responsible for their parents?

There are variances in who can be held liable and when, in what scenarios, penalties, and the manner in which nursing care facilities can pursue repayment. The bottom line, however, is that most states will rule that adult children have a duty to provide reasonable care and support for their parents.

Am I responsible for my elderly parents' debt?

Generally, family members are not responsible for debts incurred by other family members. So, for example, you would not be responsible for the debts incurred by your parents or adult children.

Can debt collectors go after family?

While the law offers protections for family members, it also allows debt collectors to contact family members to discuss obligations. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collectors can contact and discuss outstanding debts with the deceased person's: Spouses.

At what age is a parent not legally responsible?

The Duration of Parents' Legal Obligations: The Basics

In most states, parental obligations typically end when a child reaches the age of majority, 18 years old. But, check the laws of your state, as the age of majority can be different from one state to the next.

Does parents' debt get passed down?

You are not responsible for your parents' debt. This is true regardless of whether you inherit assets under their estate. However, a parent's estate must settle any debts before you can inherit. And children often share financial responsibilities with aging parents, often medical and housing costs.

What to do if your adult child is in debt?

One of the biggest ways that parents can help their adult children with debt is to support their children's own efforts to pay down their debt. For example, a grandparent could help with childcare while the parents work extra hours to pay off debt. This helps your adult children to help themselves.

What states have filial responsibility laws?

California is one of 30 states with a filial responsibility law on the books. 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.”

Am I liable for my adult child?

Under the law, parents are generally not legally liable for the actions of their children.

Do I have to pay my adult child's medical bills?

“Normally, if you're 18 or older, you're considered the responsible party, even if you're insured under your parents' policy,” Gundling said.

Can creditors come after children for parents debt?

While creditors have the first chance to make claims on the deceased person's assets, they cannot hold heirs financially liable for the debts. Creditor claims are settled with the estate of the deceased—not the heirs themselves.

Can parents be held liable?

In the state of California, a parent or legal guardian can be held liable when a minor damages property or causes personal injury.

How long are you financially responsible for your child?

Your responsibility towards your child legally ends when your child gets to the age of 18 years. It also ends if they get married or enter into a registered partnership before 18 years. The court may also have the upper hand in terminating your parental responsibility.

Are my parents still responsible for me after I turn 18?

The greatest change may be that the law now holds you (not your parents) responsible for your actions. At age 18, you assume liability for your own traffic violations or accidents. It is your responsibility to know and follow the rules of the road described in the California Driver Handbook.

When children are grown their parents are no longer responsible for them?

Generally, parents are no longer legally responsible for their children once they reach the age of 18, regardless of any mental health issues. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so I would need more information to provide a more accurate answer.

How long before a debt becomes uncollectible?

Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.

Do I have to pay my deceased mother's credit card debt?

When a loved one passes away, you'll have a lot to take care of, including their finances. It's important to remember that credit card debt does not automatically go away when someone dies. It must be paid by the estate or the co-signers on the account.

What happens if you never pay collections?

If you continue not to pay, you'll hurt your credit score and you risk losing your property or having your wages or bank account garnished.

Who is legally responsible for elderly parents?

California Family Code Section 4400-4405 establishes that adult children have a legal duty to support their parents if the parents cannot support themselves financially. This includes providing for basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.

Can you refuse to pay your parents' debt?

This is one of the duties that you have, and debts often need to be paid before the remaining assets can be passed on to the beneficiaries. But debt is not inherited like assets are, so you and the other beneficiaries do not have to pay personally.

Do I have to pay my deceased father's medical bills?

In most cases, the deceased person's estate is responsible for paying any debt left behind, including medical bills. If there's not enough money in the estate, family members still generally aren't responsible for covering a loved one's medical debt after death — although there are some exceptions.