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Does an adult child legally responsible to support his parents who have no means to live?

Does an adult child legally responsible to support his parents who have no means to live?

Q: What states legally require you to care for elderly parents?

Several states, including Maryland, have filial responsibility laws that may require adult children to support their elderly parents if they are destitute. These laws vary by state, so it's important to check the specific legal requirements in your state to understand your obligations.

Full question:

I am a businessman in Maryland. My aged parents have no means to live. Am I legally responsible for my parent’s support?

Category: Paternity
Subcategory: Parental Rights
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Maryland

Answer:

In Maryland, a parent who has no means to live is considered as a destitute parent. An adult child, who has sufficient means, is obliged to support a destitute parent with food, care, shelter, and clothing.
Per Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 13-101:
“***
(c) Destitute parent. -- "Destitute parent" means a parent who:
(1) has no means of subsistence; and
(2) cannot be self-supporting, due to old age or mental or physical infirmity.”

Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 13-102 reads as:
“(a) Duty to support destitute parent. -- If a destitute parent is in this State and has an adult child who has or is able to earn sufficient means, the adult child may not neglect or refuse to provide the destitute parent with food, shelter, care, and clothing.
***”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Whose responsibility is it to care for elderly parents?

In general, adult children have a moral and sometimes legal obligation to care for their elderly parents, especially if the parents are destitute. In Maryland, laws require children to provide support if parents cannot support themselves due to age or infirmity (Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 13-101). However, the specific responsibility can vary based on family dynamics and individual circumstances.

Are you financially responsible for your elderly parents?

Yes, in Maryland, if your elderly parents are destitute and unable to support themselves, you may be financially responsible for their care. This includes providing necessities like food, shelter, and medical care (Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 13-102). It's important to assess your parents' financial situation to determine your obligations.

Can you choose not to care for elderly parents?

While you may have the option to choose not to care for your elderly parents, in Maryland, if they are destitute, you could face legal obligations to support them. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to legal consequences under state law (Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 13-101). It's advisable to seek legal guidance if you're considering this option.

Are we obliged to take care of our elderly parents?

In Maryland, there is a legal obligation for adult children to care for their elderly parents if they are destitute and unable to support themselves. This obligation includes providing essential needs such as food, shelter, and medical care (Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 13-102). It's crucial to understand your responsibilities under the law.

What states legally require you to care for elderly parents?

Do any states have filial responsibility laws?

Yes, many states, including Maryland, have filial responsibility laws that can require adult children to support their elderly parents if they cannot provide for themselves. These laws are designed to prevent destitution among the elderly and can vary in terms of enforcement and specifics. Always consult local laws for accurate information.