Are parents responsible for their adult child?

Verified 28 May 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

While parents are almost always responsible for their minor children, they are not responsible for acts caused by their adult children. Indeed, adults are responsible for the consequences of their actions.

As far as debts are concerned, only adult children are obliged to pay them. Parents do not have to take care of them unless they have entered into a contract to settle them. For example, if they take out a bond to pay rent that their children would not pay.

On the other hand, parents have only an obligation to allow their children, even adults, to eat, dress and shelter.

An adult who commits an offense (contravention, offense, crime) assumes sole responsibility for the sentences imposed on him (fine, prison, damages). His parents can't pay the fines on his behalf. And they can't do a prison sentence for him.

Video: Do parents have to pay off the debts of their adult child?

Vidéo - Are parents responsible for the children's debts?
Credits : Public Service (DILA)

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*Did you pay off your student loan for business school?

*I am struggling...

*But how are you going to do it?

*My parents will probably pay it back

*They agree?

*I did not ask them but they are obliged to pay my debts

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Do parents have to pay off the debts of their adult child?

No, parents are not responsible for the debts of their adult child. The age of majority is set at 18 years. The child who has reached the age of majority is then responsible for the debts he or she incurs. He alone must assume his commitments. As such, he may be ordered by judgment to repay his debts. There is, however, one exception. When parents take the security of their adult child, such as renting an apartment or borrowing money, they can be sued as security to pay off their child's debts, even if they are of age. Apart from this exception, as soon as he reaches the age of majority, the young adult must think carefully about the scope of his commitments.

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