What is child maintenance?
Parents are responsible for the child's support according to their respective means. The rules are found in Chapter 7 of the Swedish Children and Parents Code (föräldrabalken).
If the child lives permanently with only one parent, the other parent may need to fulfil their maintenance obligation by paying child maintenance.
How long is child maintenance paid?
The maintenance obligation generally applies until the child turns 18. If the child is still in school, it may continue until the child turns 21 at the latest.
How is the amount decided?
Parents can agree on the amount themselves, preferably in writing. The assessment takes into account, among other things:
- the child's needs
- the parents' financial capacity
- how much time the child lives with each parent
If parents disagree
If the parents cannot agree, the matter can be decided by the district court. The question of maintenance can also be raised in connection with a custody dispute.
If the paying parent does not pay, the parent the child lives with may, under certain conditions, receive maintenance support (underhållsstöd) from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).
Getting help
Every family's situation is different. Advokat Kurage can help you review what applies in your case and how the question of maintenance can be resolved.