How long are you financially responsible for your child?

Asked by: Caleb Erdman  |  Last update: June 1, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (45 votes)

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.

How long am I legally responsible for my child?

State laws vary as to when parents become legally responsible for the actions of their children and when that responsibility ends. Most states have parental responsibility laws that kick in when a child is born and end when a child turns 18 years old.

When should you stop financially supporting your child?

There is no universally correct age that parents should stop supporting their children once they reach adulthood, as each family will need to make the determination based on what is best for their wallets and to best support their values.

Are you legally responsible for your child after 18?

Legally your obligation is over when she turns 18. You are no longer responsible for her education or any other aspect of her life, including financially responsible. Most parents still feel a moral obligation to see their children through high school and college, but that is not a legal requirement.

Are parents financially responsible for adult children?

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.

How to Care for Financially Unstable Parents

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How long should parents financially responsible for you?

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. Many parents support their children after the age of majority, such as while the child attends college.

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.”

At what age do parents lose parental responsibility?

At what age does parental authority end in California? Parental expert in California doesn't consequently end at a particular age. It go on until parental privileges are ended by the court or surrendered deliberately.

Can your parents take your money at 18?

And No. 3, once you turn 18, they can't take your stuff anymore.

What is an 18-year-old entitled to?

Vote in federal, state and local elections. Consent to all types of medical treatment. Join the military without parental consent. This does not, however, mean that you now have all the rights and privileges available to adults.

How do you deal with a financially irresponsible adult child?

If you're a parent who's enabling your adult child, here are ten ways to stop:
  1. 1 | Stop giving them money. ...
  2. 2 | Stop paying their bills. ...
  3. 3 | Stop giving them a place to live. ...
  4. 4 | Stop co-signing for them. ...
  5. 5 | Stop paying their rent or mortgage. ...
  6. 6 | Stop buying them things they want. ...
  7. 7 | Stop buying their clothes.

Am I obligated to help my parents financially?

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.

How long should a parent support an adult child?

And while parents surveyed in the study on average said their adult children should become financially independent by 25, many were supporting those children beyond that milestone. Of parents providing support, 21% were helping millennials (age 28-43) or members of gen X (age 44-59).

Is a parent responsible for a 17 year old?

PARENT'S RESPONSIBILITY

A parent has both the legal right and the duty to control their 16- or 17-year old children, unless they are emancipated.

Do 18 year olds have to listen to their parents?

It's true that when your child reaches the age of 18, they are legally seen as an adult and are legally responsible for their own behavior instead of their parents. They can't break laws, of course – being 18 just means you can be tried as an adult, not that you're free to do anything you please.

Do parents own their children's property?

Parents, as legal guardians, may be allowed to take temporary custodial control of their children's property, and hold it in good care for them until a set time, and then return it. The child still owns the property, though they may not be constantly in possession.

What happens to my child's bank account when they turn 18?

These accounts are controlled by a custodian, usually the parent. Depending on state law, when the child attains age 18 1 or 21 2, he or she assumes control of the account.

Can parents legally take your phone?

Generally speaking, a parent can still take the phone away from the child and search through the phone. While the phone may belong to the child, the parent is able to exercise control over the device if the parent believes it is in the child's best interest.

How to deal with toxic parents as a minor?

How to Deal With Toxic Parents
  1. Common Toxic Traits.
  2. Get Rid of Guilt.
  3. Don't Try to Change Them.
  4. Boundaries Are Key.
  5. No Need to Explain.
  6. Practice Self-Care.
  7. Set Up a Support System.
  8. Change Your Story.

Do my parents have any legal rights after I turn 18?

Specifically, your rights as a parent diminish when your child turns 18, including the right to know anything about their finances, medical condition, or even school records. That means, for example, that if your child were injured, you wouldn't have the right to make medical decisions on their behalf.

How much does it cost to terminate parental rights?

Termination of Parental rights is a complex proceeding and involves a guardian ad litem. You will spend $10,000. Use of a lawyer is recommended in your case.

At what age should parents stop using parental controls?

As you build trust together, you can also start talking about how you'll start removing these restrictions as kids get closer to 18, because ultimately, they'll need to learn how to navigate tech on their own. “I like to let go of control as they're turning to 16 or 17,” Werle-Kimmel says.

Am I financially responsible for my elderly parent?

In California, filial responsibility laws could obligate an adult child to financially support their infirm or indigent parent. Learn about how this duty of filial responsibility applies to estate and trust litigation by reading our in-depth analysis of California Family Code section 4400.

How often are filial responsibility laws enforced?

Filial responsibility laws and their enforcement vary greatly from state to state. Eleven states have never enforced their laws, and most other states rarely enforce the laws. Currently, Pennsylvania is the only state to aggressively enforce its filial responsibility laws.

What is filial penalty?

Should the children fail to provide adequately, they allow nursing homes and government agencies to bring legal action to recover the cost of caring for the parents. Adult children can even go to jail in some states if they fail to provide filial support.