Family › Senior citizen neglected by children

Son and daughter-in-law not looking after us

What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).

Your situation

• Who should be supporting you? Son(s)

Where you stand

• Next step Apply to the Maintenance Tribunal; it should decide within 90 days.

Do these now

• Application to the Maintenance Tribunal (SDM office)
  Starts the 90-day process — no lawyer is required. Where: SDM / tribunal office.

Papers to gather

• Age proof (Aadhaar, pension book or birth certificate)
  The Act applies to parents and people 60+.
• Proof of relationship to the children (birth certificates, ration card, family register)
  Who can be ordered to pay. Where: Municipality, ration office.
• List of monthly expenses with medical bills
  Decides the amount. Where: Pharmacy and hospital bills.
• What you know of their income, jobs, property
  The tribunal looks at their means. Where: Your knowledge, salary info, property records.

You may also need, depending on your answers

• Gift deed or transfer document, and anything showing it was on condition of care — Needed to ask for the transfer to be declared void.
• Medical reports, photos, witnesses of neglect or abuse — Supports protection and eviction requests.

What the law says

Saboot will also ask

• Are you safe where you live?
• Did you give or transfer property to them?
• Do you have your own income?

Similar situations

• Gave property to my son and now he threw me out
• Old parents have no income and children won’t pay
• Elderly parent being beaten at home
• Daughter refuses to support aged parents

Sources

• Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023

The full guide: My children or relatives are not looking after me (senior citizen / parent) · All situations