[Direct answer]In principle, this is not allowed. Parents' statutory obligation to support their children ends when the children reach adulthood or become able to live independently. Adult children who have reached the age of 18 and are receiving undergraduate education are generally not considered "adult children who cannot live independently", and it is usually difficult to obtain support from their parents when claiming mandatory alimony. There are two exceptions to this: first, if the children are still receiving education at the high school level or below; second, if they have lost or partially lost their ability to work or are otherwise unable to maintain a normal life due to objective reasons. In addition, if the parents have agreed in the divorce agreement to support the children until they graduate from university, or if the parents voluntarily pay alimony, the matter shall be handled in accordance with the agreement or voluntary arrangement, and the law will not enforce it.

I. Problem background and typical scenarios

In recent years, it has become increasingly common for children who have reached adulthood to sue their parents for reimbursement of the expenses they incurred during their university years. A typical scenario is as follows: the parents divorced early on, and the alimony was awarded until the child reached the age of 18. After the child was admitted to university, the pressure of tuition and living expenses became overwhelming, and the child hoped that the non-custodial parent would continue to bear these expenses. However, the non-custodial parent refused on the grounds that the child had already reached adulthood. Although the legal principles of such disputes are not particularly complex, they involve significant emotional and ethical tensions. When handling such cases, it is necessary to clarify the rules while also leaving room for negotiation.

II. Key points of contention

First, the relationship between "being an adult" and "being able to live independently"; Second, whether higher education belongs to the statutory education stage; Third, whether the agreements on payments made after reaching adulthood in divorce settlements or judgments can be directly enforced; Fourth, whether children can act as independent plaintiffs and how the statute of limitations is calculated. Parents often argue that "the law stops here", while children emphasize practical needs and family moral obligations.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm

The first layer is to check the basis of the right of claim against the judicial interpretation. Article 1067 of the Civil Code stipulates that minor children or adult children who are unable to live independently have the right to request alimony; the judicial interpretation limits "adult children who are unable to live independently" to those who are still in school receiving education at the high school level or below, or those who have lost or partially lost their ability to work and are unable to maintain a normal life for non-subjective reasons. College students are generally not included, so if a lawsuit is filed solely on the grounds of "I am a college student", the court will generally not support it. The second layer is to distinguish between "being unable to live independently" and "temporary financial difficulties". It is normal for college students to have financial difficulties, but the law focuses on whether they can support themselves subjectively and whether they have the ability to work objectively, rather than their living standards. As long as they are physically healthy and have the conditions to work or participate in part-time jobs to support their studies, they are generally considered able to live independently. The third layer is the role of agreements. If the divorce agreement, mediation agreement, or judgment explicitly states "alimony shall be paid until the child graduates from college" or similar content, then this agreement constitutes the basis for payment, and the child or the guardian can claim based on it; conversely, if it only states "until the child reaches the age of 18", there will be no mandatory obligation after adulthood. Henglue Lawyers have noticed in handling family cases that the court usually defines the end point of payment in divorce judgments as "until the child reaches the age of 18", and clearly specifies the monthly payment amount and start and end dates. This also confirms in judicial practice that adulthood is the general boundary. The fourth layer is about approaches and good-faith communication. Adult children claiming alimony should first verify the agreement text and previous judgments. If there are no statutory circumstances and no agreements, they can strive for their parents to voluntarily bear the responsibility through consultation and family communication, rather than directly filing a lawsuit. If there are exceptional circumstances such as disability or serious illness, they should focus on fixing the evidence of medical diagnosis and labor capacity assessment to prove that they "are unable to maintain a normal life for non-subjective reasons".

This case is handled by Beijing Henglu Law Firm.Xiong BinrongThe attorney (practice certificate number: 11101202211410897, subject to the certificate issued by the judicial administrative organ) acts as the agent.

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

First, check the provisions of the parents' divorce agreement or the effective judgment regarding the payment period; Second, if there is no agreement and no exceptional circumstances, prioritize negotiation rather than litigation; Third, for those who are still in high school or below, or who have disabilities or serious illnesses, after obtaining fixed proof of school attendance, medical diagnosis, and materials on labor capacity, claim their rights according to law; Fourth, when the parents are sued, focus on providing evidence and defense against the claim that "the children have reached adulthood and can live independently". Main legal basis: Articles 1067, 1068, and 1085 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China; Article 41 of the Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on the Application of the Marriage and Family Chapter of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (I). Specific application shall be subject to the currently effective provisions.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Advice

Three sentences on adult children's alimony: Adults who are able to support themselves should, in principle, no longer be subject to compulsory alimony payments; exceptions are made for special circumstances such as being in high school or below, or currently enrolled in school; if there is an agreement, the alimony should be paid according to the agreement; if there is no agreement, the parties should negotiate a solution. For disputes involving child support, you can seek resolution through legal channels.Divorce litigation and family disputesWe provide a comprehensive solution for services, which includes the enforcement of effective judgments and rulings.Creditor's rights and debts, and enforcement casesFor the plates, you can refer to the agreements mentioned in the contract for more details.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesThis column provides advice on how to handle difficult family matters.Special servicesTeam.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: If an adult child sues their parents for alimony, will the court accept the case?

The court will accept the application, but whether it will lead to a successful outcome is another matter. The court will review whether the children are "adult children who cannot live independently", that is, whether they are still receiving education at the high school level or below, or are unable to maintain a normal life due to non-subjective reasons such as disability or serious illness. Applications based solely on being a university student or financial difficulties are usually not supported.

Q2: What evidence can support the claims of adult children?

Key evidence includes: proof of being a student currently enrolled in high school or lower education, a disability certificate or a conclusion of labor ability assessment, records of major disease diagnosis and treatment, proof of having no financial sources and living in hardship, as well as agreements in parental divorce agreements or judgments regarding financial support until graduation from university. The more the evidence demonstrates that it's "not due to subjective reasons", the greater the likelihood of support.

Q3: How much do such lawsuits typically cost?

In general, the litigation fees for alimony cases are charged per case or at a lower standard, which is not a heavy burden. Lawyer's fees are subject to market-based pricing and are usually negotiated on a per-case basis. If the request for alimony spans multiple years and the amount is large, the fees will increase accordingly. Before entrusting a lawyer, it is necessary to clarify the charging methods and stages, and to evaluate the necessity of litigation.

Q4: How long is the review period usually?

For cases subject to summary procedures in the first instance, they are generally concluded within three months; for ordinary procedures, it takes six months. Cases involving labor capacity appraisal, paternity determination, or service in a different location may take longer. If the first-instance judgment is rejected and there is no new evidence, there is limited room for a change in the second-instance judgment. It is recommended to evaluate the sufficiency of the evidence before filing a lawsuit.

Q5: If my parents really don't want to continue giving me money, what options do I have?

There are three possible approaches: 1. If there is an agreement or a legally binding judgment, apply for enforcement. 2. If it falls under statutory exceptions, initiate separate litigation and submit key evidence. 3. If there is neither an agreement nor exceptional circumstances, seek voluntary payment through family consultations and mediations with relatives and friends. At the same time, apply for student loans, scholarships, and part-time work programs to alleviate financial pressure.

The above answer is based on the judicial practice in the Beijing area. The adjudication standards in other provinces and cities may vary. For specific cases, please refer to the local rules and evidence situations.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Divorce litigation legal services·Beijing Henglue Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and public adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. In case of disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.