It’s a conversation many families dance around, often whispered with a mix of love, worry, and a little bit of dread: Who will care for Mom and Dad when they can no longer care for themselves? While most people assume this is a moral or familial obligation, a surprising number of U.S. states have laws on the books that make it a legal requirement. These are commonly referred to as “filial responsibility laws.”
These laws, often rooted in centuries-old poor laws, obligate adult children to support their indigent parents financially. While enforcement has historically been rare, the rising costs of long-term care and an aging population are bringing these statutes back into the spotlight. For adult children, understanding these laws can be a daunting but necessary step in navigating their finances and relationships with their aging parents.
Alaska
Alaska Statutes Sec. 25.20.030 states that “each child is bound to maintain the child’s parents in like circumstances” as parents are bound to maintain their children when poor and unable to work. This means if your parents in Alaska fall on hard times and cannot support themselves, you could be legally obligated to step in. It’s a clear sign of a mutual support system.
Arkansas
Arkansas’s law (AR Code § 20-47-106) is somewhat narrower, primarily requiring an adult child to provide for a parent’s mental health needs. This only applies if the child has the financial means and the services are not covered by insurance. It highlights a specific focus on mental wellness support within the family.
California
California Family Code § 4400 makes adult children responsible for supporting “a parent who is in need and unable to maintain himself or herself by work,” unless otherwise provided by law. While certain exceptions and specific conditions apply, the intent is clear: children have a duty to support an impoverished parent. This affects financial planning for many families in the state.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s General Statutes § 46b-215 outlines that an individual who “neglects or refuses to furnish reasonably necessary support” to a parent who is younger than 65 can face penalties, including imprisonment up to one year. This specific age restriction makes it an intriguing statute, focusing on parental needs before the traditional retirement age.
Delaware
Delaware Statute Title 13 Chapter 5 § 503 places the duty to support a poor person unable to support themselves on the spouse, parents, or children, in that order. This means children come after a spouse and parent (the actual parents of the impoverished individual) in the line of responsibility. It’s a layered approach to family finance.
Georgia
Georgia Code § 36-12-3 broadly states that the “father, mother, or child” must provide support to any “pauper.” The county also has the right to seek repayment from relatives if they have provided assistance. This broad language points to a foundational legal expectation of familial support for those in need, affecting many aspects of lifestyle.
Idaho
Idaho Statute Title 32 §32-1002, “Parent and Child Duties of Reciprocal Support,” mandates that the father, mother, and child(ren) of any poor person are responsible to “maintain” this individual to the “extent of his or her ability.” County commissioners can even bring civil suits to enforce this duty. It is a clear habit of legal expectation for relatives.
Indiana
Indiana Code § 31-16-17-1 specifies that a child “whose father or mother provided the individual with necessary food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, and education until the individual reached sixteen (16) years of age; and who is financially able” has a duty to furnish support for parents. This law links the adult child’s responsibility to the care they received as a minor, adding a layer of personal growth consideration.
Kentucky
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 530.050 outlines two types of nonsupport, with the first assigning a duty to an adult child to provide support to an indigent parent if they reasonably can. Violation of this law can result in a misdemeanor and potential jail time, emphasizing the seriousness of this financial obligation.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 273, Section 20, outlines the duty of children to support their parents if they become poor and unable to work. While enforcement has been rare, the law remains active, meaning adult children could be held responsible for parental care costs if the parents lack the means and government assistance isn’t available.
Mississippi
Mississippi Code Title 43, Chapter 31, Section 25, states that parents and children are liable for the support of their poor relatives. The specific wording outlines a mutual responsibility between generations. This statute, like others, underscores the idea that family members should bear the primary burden for the wellness and care of their impoverished kin.
Montana
Montana Code Annotated § 40-6-215 requires adult children, if able, to support their parents who are indigent. While similar to other states, a notable 2012 Pennsylvania case, Health Care & Retirement Corporation of America v. Pittas, saw an adult child successfully sued for nearly $93,000 in a parent’s nursing home bills under a filial responsibility law.
This particular case served as a wake-up call for many, highlighting that these laws, though often dormant, can be enforced. Filial support laws raise provocative questions about who should be responsible for costly eldercare. Families? Society at large? What about the individual’s own role in planning for long-term care needs?
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
