by Kimberly Read
On August 4, 2001, The St. Petersburg Times ran a blurb tucked between ads on page 11 highlighting a court case in Ventura, California that could very well have significant impact for those with bipolar disorder. The article, entitled "Parents responsible for son, 50, judge says," presents the case of one David Culp, a 50-year-old lawyer who is now on social security disability because of bipolar disorder. He had previously been earning about $10,000 a month. However, his social security benefits entitle him to only $1,049 a month. In June, Mr. Culp filed a suit against his parents asking for help with monthly expenses. In California, there is a law that states, "... the father and mother have an equal responsibility to maintain, to the extent of their ability, a child of whatever age who is incapacitated from earning a living and without sufficient means." In accordance with this law, Judge Melinda Johnson ruled that Culp's parents, who have a monthly income of $20,000, must pay him $3,500 every month towards his living expenses. David's parents, James and Bertha Culp, said they planned to appeal, but I was unable to find any appeal results.
Poll: Should parents have to support grown children?
1) No way!
2) It really depends on the circumstances
3) I just don't know
4) If the parents can afford it, why not?
5) Absolutely!
