The duty of care that children have towards their parents in France

Many people are aware that, under French law, it is not possible to disinherit your children, except in specific circumstances, and that your children will be entitled to a share of your estate.
However, very few people are aware that children in France can also be required to provide for their parents (obligation alimentaire). This care can be financial, such as paying care home fees, or non-financial, such as providing their parents with a residence and/or food. This duty can also extend to grandchildren, who must care for their grandparents, and to parents-in-law.  
Parents or grandparents who can no longer care for themselves can make an informal demand or apply to the court.

This law is currently being reviewed by the French Senate following requests from children who were victims of abuse at the hands of their parents, as the law currently only provides for very restrictive exemptions for victims of abuse.  

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