Abandono afetivo inverso e a obrigação de cuidado integral à saúde da pessoa idosa

This study examines whether adult children may incur civil liability for reverse emotional abandonment of older parents who require chronic medical care or long-term institutional care. It uses qualitative bibliographic, statutory and case-law analysis. The findings show that lack of affection alone is not compensable, whereas unjustified omission of objective duties of assistance, treatment follow-up and protection may constitute a civil wrong when damage and causation are proven. Liability is therefore legally possible, but exceptional and dependent on evidence of a qualified omission.