Agreeing on child maintenance
A child has the right to adequate maintenance from both parents, also after a separation. Child maintenance is most commonly agreed with the child welfare officer (lastenvalvoja) of the wellbeing services county, which makes the agreement enforceable. This guide goes through the calculation, the agreement and Kela's maintenance allowance.
You will need
- Both parents' income details
- The child's expenses and living arrangements
- The Ministry of Justice's guidelines for calculating child maintenance
- Contact details for the child welfare officer at your wellbeing services county
Steps
Agree on living arrangements first
The amount of maintenance depends on which parent the child lives with and how much time they spend with the other parent. First agree on custody, living arrangements and visiting rights.
Calculate the child's maintenance needs
Assess the parents' ability to pay
Book an appointment with the child welfare officer
Record the details of the agreement
Apply for maintenance allowance from Kela
Change the agreement if needed
Keep payment records
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