Child maintenance

Maintenance can be set as a share of income or as a fixed sum — which to choose depends on the payer’s income and the child’s needs. Two further tools are recovery for past periods and interest for late payment.

When to get in touch

• a parent is not contributing to the child’s upkeep
• the payer is concealing their real income
• arrears of maintenance have built up
• an adult child is in education and needs support

What the lawyer does

• makes the case for the best method of recovery: a share of income or a fixed sum
• prepares the claim and the calculation of the child’s needs
• proves the payer’s real level of income
• recovers maintenance for past periods where there are grounds
• calculates and recovers interest for late payment
• handles the enforcement proceedings

Legal basis

Parents’ duty to maintain a child and the procedure for recovery are set out in Chapter 15 of the Family Code of Ukraine: the methods — a share of income or a fixed sum — in Articles 181 and 184; the minimum amount for one child may not be less than 50 per cent of the subsistence minimum for a child of the relevant age (Article 182). Where attempts to obtain maintenance are proved, the court may award it for past periods, but for no more than ten years (Article 191). Liability for late payment is governed by Article 196, and maintenance of adult children continuing their education by Article 199.

Legislation and case law are updated over time; this page reflects the position as of August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum amount of maintenance?

No less than 50 per cent of the subsistence minimum for a child of the relevant age (Article 182 of the Family Code); the actual figure depends on the budget indicators for the year in question.

Can maintenance be recovered for past years?

Yes, if you can show that you took steps to obtain it — the court may award maintenance for past periods, but for no more than ten years (Article 191 of the Family Code).

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request — a lawyer will contact you and go through your situation with care.