A recent ruling from the highest judicial court establishes the right for an adult child to demand financial aid from their parents when they cannot support themselves alone. After her parents' divorce in 2020, the young woman's residence was set with her mother, with child support paid by the father. Upon becoming an adult, she directly demanded a contribution from her father for her current needs, though the specific financial amount or terms were not disclosed.
The Metz Court of Appeal initially rejected her demand, considering that the child support payment to the mother was sufficient. However, the Court of Cassation overturned this ruling, considering that the support obligation could be exercised directly for the benefit of the adult child, independently of the arrangements set during the divorce. The Civil Code imposes on parents the duty to contribute to the maintenance and education of their children, even after they reach adulthood, when they cannot support themselves alone due to pursuing studies, job searching, or a disability.
This obligation can take the form of in-kind aid or a financial contribution, aimed at covering housing, food, care, or training costs. The obligation ceases only when the adult gains stable financial autonomy or in case of proven abuse on their part, but the criteria defining 'stable financial autonomy' in France remain unspecified. No age limit is provided by law.
Additionally, this support duty is reciprocal; children have an obligation to support their parents in need, according to their respective resources. In a separate case, the Supreme Court has overturned a ruling by the Court of Appeal in a compensation case of parents of a crew member who fell overboard against the fishing company, and the Court of Appeal must retake the case, though the timeline for this is unknown.