Support of Adult Children

Is a parent responsible for the support of their adult children?  Generally, parents are responsible for the support of a child until the child reaches the age of majority (18) or they graduate from high school, whichever event occurs later.  The right to support may actually exist beyond majority where the child is physical or mentally challenged or unable to support themselves. 23 PA.C.S. Section 4321(3). 

The court will look to determine whether the child is able (physically and mentally) to engage in profitable employment and whether that employment is available to that child at a supporting wage.  The burden is on the child to prove that these impairments exist and that they are unable to support themselves.  Often, it is the custodial parent that undertakes this burden.  The burden may be met by providing medical evidence supporting the diagnosis and limitations and/or with reports from vocational rehabilitation services to describe the impact of the child’s mental or physical impairments on his ability to support themselves.