Who's Right?Do parents have to pay for their children's studies?
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In short
In France, yes: each parent must contribute to their child's upkeep and education according to their means, and this duty doesn't end at 18. It lasts as long as the child can't support themselves, for example while studying.
Both sides
I'm 20, I'm finishing a two-year vocational degree, and I got into a private school in Lyon that fits my plans perfectly. My mum says she won't pay, but parents are legally required to pay for their kids' studies. This isn't a whim, I want a real career. Without her help, I'll have to give up the school I want.
I've raised Malik on my own on a care assistant's salary. I never said I wouldn't help: I can cover a good part of his rent in Lyon if he goes to university, or if he finds the same course as a work-study programme. But a school costing thousands a year on top of rent is beyond me. Having the law thrown at me like a threat really hurt.
The verdict
On the principle, Malik is right: in France, supporting your child doesn't stop at 18. A young adult in serious studies with no income can rely on their parents, and Sandrine couldn't simply tell him to fend for himself.
But the law also says each parent contributes according to their means and the child's real needs. It doesn't require funding any project at any price. And Sandrine isn't refusing to help: she's offering real support that fits her budget.
What tips the balance is how things were handled. Using the law as a threat shut the conversation down, and Malik hasn't explored other options yet, like a work-study version or extra funding. Sandrine, for her part, would do better to put a clear figure on what she can give instead of just saying no.
The compromise
This weekend, Sandrine writes down the monthly amount she can give, whatever course he chooses. Malik has one month to look for a work-study version of his school or extra funding. If he finds a way, his mum keeps the same support.
What the rules say
Article 371-2 of the French Civil Code states that each parent contributes to the upkeep and education of their children in proportion to their own resources, those of the other parent, and the child's needs. This duty does not end automatically when the child reaches adulthood.
Service-public.gouv.fr explains that parents must keep supporting an adult child as long as the child cannot meet their own needs. Child support remains due while the child is studying, in training or actively looking for work. A parent paying child support must keep paying until the family court judge (juge aux affaires familiales) decides otherwise, and parents can go to this judge if they disagree.
The law sets no amount and no list of studies to fund: it is based on each parent's means and the child's needs.
On the tax side, economie.gouv.fr states that support paid to an adult child who is not attached to the parents' tax household can be deducted (up to 6,855 euros per child, according to the figures given for the 2026 tax return). The child must then declare the amount received.
Sources:
- Article 371-2 - Code civil - Légifrance (legifrance.gouv.fr)
- Peut-on verser directement une pension alimentaire à son enfant devenu majeur ? (service-public.gouv.fr)
- Impôt : tout savoir sur la déduction des pensions alimentaires (economie.gouv.fr)
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General information, not legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Until what age must parents support their child?
The Civil Code sets no age. The duty doesn't end automatically at 18: it lasts as long as the child can't support themselves, for example while studying, training or looking for work.
Can a separated parent stop child support when the child turns 18?
No. Child support doesn't stop automatically at adulthood, and the paying parent must keep paying until the family court judge decides otherwise.
Do parents have to pay for any school the child picks?
The law gives no list of studies. Each parent contributes according to their means and the child's real needs, so a modest household doesn't contribute the same way as a wealthy one.
What if parents and child can't agree?
Start by working out the budget together. If the conflict continues, you can take the matter to the family court judge.
Can I deduct support paid to my student child from my taxes?
Yes, if the adult child isn't attached to your tax household, up to the yearly cap (6,855 euros per child according to economie.gouv.fr for the 2026 tax return). The child then declares the amount received.
Guide Family disputes: the guide
Written with the help of AI, reviewed by the Who's Right team · This is not legal advice. How Who's Right decides
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