📚 Training and maintenance for adult children
In brief
Even after the 18th birthday, parents can be obliged to pay maintenance (Unterhalt). It covers the costs of appropriate vocational training.
The amount depends on the child's standard of living and on the parents' ability to pay.
The Düsseldorfer Tabelle (Düsseldorf table, a court guideline) gives some orientation. For students living away from the parental home it states a need of €990 a month in 2026 (including €440 warm rent). That is only a guide value, not a law.
Step by step
- Clarify the situationDoes the child live at home or alone? What training is under way?
- Talk to each otherFirst clarify what your child already has (training pay, BAföG).
- Get adviceIf there is a dispute, legal advice helps.
Deadlines
- The Düsseldorfer Tabelle is a guideline of the higher regional courts, not a law.
- The need rate of €990 (including €440 warm rent) applies to a student child living away from the parental home.
- People in training usually also have to look after their own income.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Law
§ 1610 BGB: The extent of maintenance is determined by the standard of living of the person in need (appropriate maintenance). It covers all living needs including the costs of appropriate preparation for a profession. § 1603 Abs. 2 BGB: Unmarried children up to 21 who live in their parents' household and are in general school education are treated like minor children.
Düsseldorfer Tabelle
According to the press release of the OLG Düsseldorf of 1 December 2025, the need rate for a student child living away from the parental home is €990, of which €440 is warm rent.
Offsetting of child benefit, minimum self-support amounts, BAföG and the right to information are not covered here.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.