Financial Support of Parents in California

Section 4400 requires an adult child, to the extent of the adult child’s ability, support a parent who is in need and unable to self-maintain by work.

Section 4401 makes the promise of an adult child to pay for necessaries previously furnished to a parent binding.

Section 4402 makes the duty of support under this part cumulative and not in substitution for any other duty.

Section 4403 allows a parent, or the county on behalf of the parent, to bring an action against the child to enforce the duty of support under this part. If the county furnishes support to a parent, the county has the same right as the parent to whom the support was furnished to secure reimbursement and obtain continuing support. The court may order the child to pay the county reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs in a proceeding by the county under this section.

Section 4404 requires, in determining the amount to be ordered for support, the court to consider the five specified circumstances of each party

Section 4405 provides that the court retains jurisdiction to modify or terminate an order for support where justice requires.