She provided childcare from February 2018 to July 2023 (Representative image: Pexels)
A Chinese woman has filed a lawsuit against her daughter and son-in-law, seeking $26,000 in damages for caring for her grandson for five years. South China Morning Mail reported. The woman, known by her surname Duan, from Guangan city in Sichuan province, located in southwest China, took care of her grandson from February 2018 to July 2023.
The media reported that Duan’s daughter, surnamed Hu, and her son-in-law, surnamed Zhu, had no time for their child, whose age is not disclosed. The couple worked in Chengdu city and sent Duan a monthly allowance of 1,000 yuan ($135) and a childcare contribution of 2,000 yuan.
After five years of providing childcare without complaint, she decided she deserved further compensation. She asked the couple to pay her $26,000. Hu promised to pay 50,000 yuan ($6,800) to her mother and they signed an agreement, media reported.
However, Hu did not complete the payment despite repeated reminders from her mother. Duan then sued the couple.
The court ruled that she was not legally obliged to care for her grandson, but recognized that she was entitled to childcare benefits from the couple. However, the court also ruled that the amount it demanded was excessive and decided to revise it to 82,500 yuan.
Zhu said in a statement that Duan filed the lawsuit because he is currently involved in a divorce dispute.
The story gained attention on Chinese social media, with many praising the grandmother for denouncing the couple. Many social media users said she was right when she asked for good childcare reimbursement.
One user wrote: “The compensation she is asking for is justified.”
“She is wise, her goal is to protect her daughter and fight for her,” said another user.
