Inheritance and Child Support: Are they Linked?
Is a child entitled to a lesser share of the inheritance if they received more financial support during their parents’ lifetime? When it comes to inheritance, the law treats all children equally. Regardless of birth order, legitimacy, or adoption status, children have equal inheritance rights. However, this does not preclude parents from providing different levels of support during their lifetime. The question arises: is child support factored into inheritance?
Let’s consider a scenario with two children: one secures employment early, while the other remains financially dependent on the parents into adulthood. Does the child who received more support over a more extended period have a reduced inheritance share? In essence, is the financial assistance provided to a child subtracted from their legal share? Let’s explore what the law dictates.
Key Points:
- Child Support Defined: Child support is a legal obligation based solely on the act of parenthood, irrespective of the relationship status between parents (married, cohabiting, etc.).
- Methods of Child Support: Support can be direct, involving providing necessities directly, or indirect, usually involving financial contributions, often seen in cases of parental separation.
- Duration of Child Support: Children are financially supported until they achieve economic independence, regardless of their age. Legal precedents occasionally attempt to set a fixed limit to the right to child support.