Ülalpidamiskohustus

Ülalpidamiskohustus is an Estonian legal concept referring to the obligation of individuals to support and care for certain family members who are unable to support themselves. This duty primarily extends to close relatives, most notably parents towards their minor children and adult children towards their disabled or elderly parents. The obligation aims to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the necessary financial and personal care, preventing them from becoming a burden on the state.

The specifics of Ülalpidamiskohustus are detailed in Estonian family law. For children, parents are legally required to provide for their upbringing, education, and general well-being until they reach the age of majority, or in some cases, until they complete their education. This includes expenses for food, clothing, housing, healthcare, and education. If parents are divorced or separated, the obligation is typically shared or determined by court order, often involving child support payments.

Adult children may have a similar obligation towards their parents if the parents are unable to support themselves due to age, illness, or disability, and have no other means of support. This duty is generally considered secondary to one's own needs and those of their immediate family. The scope of this obligation can also be influenced by the parents' prior contributions to the child's upbringing and well-being. Courts may intervene to determine the extent and manner of fulfilling this obligation, considering the financial capacity of the obligated party and the needs of the recipient. The underlying principle is mutual support within the family, especially for those who are most dependent.