Chun

Defendant appeals from a judgment in which the trial court ordered him to pay his 20-year-old daughter Lisa $1,050 each month as her support, pursuant to Civil Code section 206. (Hereinafter, all unspecified statutory references are to sections of the Civil Code.) Defendant challenges the order, principally asserting that section 206 does not entitle Lisa to support from him. So far as relevant here, that section provides: “It is the duty of the father, the mother, and the children of any person in need who is unable to maintain himself by work, to maintain such person to the extent of their ability.”

Plaintiff Lisa Chun is the natural daughter of Mrs. Catherine Chun and defendant, Dr. Richard B. D. Chun, whose marriage was dissolved in 1973. While she is not mentally retarded, Lisa is an emotionally disabled adult, with approximately the emotional maturity of a 12-year-old child. She attends school regularly, performing at a fifth to seventh grade level. Although at present Lisa is unable to hold a normal job, it is the opinion of her treating psychologist that someday she could work in a sheltered workshop under close supervision. Currently, Lisa serves part time as an…