Lawyer Highlights Legal Duty of Children to Support Their Parents
FAMILY CODE – A lawyer shared a law requiring and obligating children to support their parents if needed.
Recently, popular lawyer and educator, Atty. Mel Sta. Maria, took to social media to remind people about a specific provision in the Family Code that makes it clear children are legally obligated to support their parents if needed. The post garnered various reactions from netizens.
Sta. Maria referenced Article 195 of the Family Code, which mandates that children should provide assistance when their parents are unable to support themselves. This law requires children to help their parents by providing basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.
“Linawin natin, ayon sa batas, may obligasyon ang isang anak suportahan ang kanyang magulang kung nangangailangan ang magulang. Kasama sa suporta ang sustenance,dwelling,clothing, at medical attendance,” he said.
However, the amount of support is determined by two factors: the parent’s needs and the child’s financial capacity. The support should be enough to ensure the parents live comfortably, but it should not exceed what the child can reasonably provide.
The law balances these aspects, ensuring that children aren’t overwhelmed with obligations while making sure their parents are taken care of.
The lawyer explained that the law applies only if the parents are in need. If the child lacks the resources or if the parents are financially stable, no legal obligation exists. The intention is not to enrich the parents, but to provide them with what is necessary for a decent life.
The latter emphasized that both the needs of the recipient and the giver’s ability to provide must be considered. He also shared that he personally believes in supporting his parents, regardless of any past conflicts, as long as they are in need and he is capable of offering assistance.
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The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
