Child Maintenance in Portugal: Does Parents’ Obligation End at 18 or at 25?

This week, in the Família por Direito column, partner Stéfanie Luz, head of the Family and Succession Law Department, and trainee lawyer Mariana Souto Simões explain how long the obligation to pay child maintenance remains in force.
Articles 12/01/2026

Parents have a duty to exercise parental responsibilities towards their children, which includes safeguarding their health and safety, guiding their education, and providing for their support.

In Portugal, the obligation to pay child support does not automatically end when a child reaches adulthood (at 18). The parent with whom they do not reside may still be required to provide support until they turn 25, provided they are still attending or completing their education or professional training.

However, this obligation is not absolute. The duty to provide support may cease, namely if they have already completed their training, discontinue it, or if, in the specific circumstances of the case, the requirement is deemed unreasonable.

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The content of this information does not constitute any specific legal advice; the latter can only be given when faced with a specific case. Please contact us for any further clarification or information deemed necessary in what concerns the application of the law.

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Practice Areas

  • Family and Inheritance

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