How often do you visit your parents? If they complain that it’s not often enough they can sue you – if you live in China, that is.
According to a recent CNN article, a new Chinese law requires children of parents older than age 60 to visit their parents “frequently” (which the law does not define) and ensure that their spiritual and financial needs are met. The law was enacted in response to China’s aging population and an increasing number of reports of elderly parents’ neglect by their children.
Under the new law, children are prohibited from giving up their inheritance in order to avoid having to care for their parents. They are also required to pay their parents a monthly allowance if they refuse to care for them.
The law allows elderly parents to sue their children for failing to provide care, but does not specify any associated penalties. On July 2, a local court in Jiangsu ruled on the first lawsuit filed since the law took effect. The court ordered the daughter of the 77-year-old petitioner to visit her mother at least twice a month and provide financial support.
The article notes that the law’s introduction has been controversial, as opponents believe it distorts the parent-child relationship and places too much pressure on children who have moved away from home to pursue educational or professional opportunities.
