Filial Piety and U.S. Family Law: How Cultural Values Influence Caregiving, End-of-Life, and Estate Planning Decisions in Asian American Families

Abstract

Due to centuries of anti-Asian discrimination in U.S. immigration policy and in its court system, many Asian Americans have migrated relatively recently. As a result, many Americans of East and South Asian descent maintain common cultural values such as respect for elders, filial piety, and community wellbeing. This Article examines how these values affect Asian Americans’ approach to decisions regarding the elderly, in particular caregiving, end of life decisions, and estate planning. Finally, the Article proposes suggestions for future research to improve outcomes and meet the legal needs of a growing, aging population.