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H 1668

An Act to enforce support orders for adult children in need of support

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kate Donaghue and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill requiring courts to enforce parental financial support for adult children with disabilities or chronic conditions unable to self-support.

Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1668

Legislative bill overview

H 1668 would expand Massachusetts law to enforce child support obligations beyond the age of majority, requiring parents to financially support adult children who are unable to support themselves due to disability, illness, or other circumstances of need. The bill establishes mechanisms for courts to order ongoing support payments for dependent adult children, similar to existing minor child support frameworks.

Why is this important

Currently, Massachusetts parents have no legal obligation to support adult children regardless of circumstances. This bill would create a legal pathway for vulnerable adult children—particularly those with disabilities or serious health conditions—to secure financial support from parents who have the capacity to provide it. The real-world impact affects families caring for disabled adult children and potentially reduces reliance on state assistance programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental autonomy vs. state obligation: Opponents may argue this extends parental financial responsibility indefinitely and reduces individual liberty, while supporters contend vulnerable adults shouldn't be abandoned
  • Definitional ambiguity: "Need" and "unable to support themselves" require clear legal definitions to prevent overreach or frivolous claims, yet broad language could create litigation uncertainty
  • Economic burden on parents: The bill could impose significant financial obligations on middle-class and working-class parents already struggling with their own expenses, versus advocates' view that parents bear responsibility for children with disabilities they caused or foresaw
  • Interstate enforcement: Unclear how Massachusetts would enforce orders against parents in other states or collect payments across state lines

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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