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Child support calculator for a child — estimated amountTable of contents
Non‑payment of child support requires quick action because arrears grow and can lead to enforcement, interest and possible criminal liability. Enforcement is only possible with an enforceable title — without it, a bailiff cannot proceed.
Child support covers the maintenance and development of the child. The duty arises when the child cannot support themselves or their needs are not met by the other parent.
If support is not paid, you need an enforceable title (e.g., a judgment with enforcement clause or a court settlement). After an unsuccessful payment demand, you can file an enforcement motion with a bailiff.
The motion should include the debtor’s details, the amount of arrears and the enforcement methods (salary, bank accounts, assets). The more information you provide about assets, the higher the chance of success.
If you already have a judgment or settlement, you usually need an enforcement clause from the court. Without it, the bailiff cannot act. If you do not have a judgment yet, you must first file a claim and obtain a court decision.
It helps to attach:
A bailiff can enforce against salary, bank accounts, movable assets and sometimes real estate. Child support has priority over other debts, which increases the chance of recovery.
If the debtor changes jobs or hides income, provide new information to the bailiff. Lack of asset data is a common reason for delays.
Stay in contact with the bailiff and update them with any new information about the debtor’s employment or assets. Even small updates can significantly improve recovery.
Arrears remain enforceable even after the child becomes an adult. An enforceable title and the amount of arrears are still required. Adulthood does not automatically cancel the debt.
Beyond enforcement, the debtor may face:
Criminal liability is considered when arrears are significant and the debtor persistently avoids payment.
A criminal complaint does not replace civil enforcement. It can, however, pressure the debtor to comply. Use it together with enforcement when the non‑payment is persistent.
Arrears are the unpaid installments due under the judgment or settlement. Interest accrues separately. A clear month‑by‑month table makes enforcement easier and reduces disputes about amounts.
If enforcement is ineffective, consider the support fund: Alimony fund — when it applies. In some cases, interim support may help: Interim child support before judgment.
If the debtor lives or works abroad, enforcement may still be possible, but it requires additional steps and documentation. Gather as much information as possible about the location, employer and income.
Courts and bailiffs consider real earning capacity. A formal lack of income does not always stop enforcement if the debtor has assets or can realistically work.
Keep copies of all payment history and correspondence. They help confirm the size of arrears and reduce disputes during enforcement. If you receive partial payments, record them month by month to keep the arrears calculation accurate. Timely updates usually speed up recovery. Even small asset clues can help. Keep the arrears table current. Document everything. Stay organized. It helps. Really.
If you are filing a petition, see: Child support petition: how to file step by step. For the criteria used by courts, see: Child support amounts: criteria and rules.
You can use the child support calculator as a reference point, but it is not binding and should be compared with real costs and evidence.
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