Law

Understanding child maintenance laws in Singapore

Child maintenance is a pivotal aspect of ensuring a child’s government assistance two or three separates or divorces. In Singapore, the laws administering child maintenance are essentially framed in the Women’s Charter. This legislation aims to safeguard and advance the prosperity of families, especially focusing on the best interests of children. Here, we will Looking for more information on child maintenance in Singapore? Click here.

What is child maintenance?

Child maintenance refers to the monetary support given by a parent to their child after a separation or separation. The purpose of child maintenance is to ensure that the child’s basic needs are met, such as food, clothing, shelter, schooling, and medical care. This monetary commitment is intended to be shared by the two parents, regardless of their conjugal status or custody arrangements.

The Women’s charter: Singapore’s legal framework for child maintenance

The Women’s Charter is the essential legislation overseeing child maintenance in Singapore. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the two parents and serves as an aide for the courts while deciding child maintenance awards. Under the Women’s Charter, the two parents are legally committed to support their child until the age of 21 or until the child is monetarily self-sufficient. Section 69 of the Women’s Charter sets out the factors that courts consider while deciding how much maintenance to be paid by the non-custodial parent. These factors incorporate the pay and monetary resources of the two parents, the child’s needs and monetary requirements, and the nurturing and custody arrangements.

Child maintenance application process

To apply for child maintenance in Singapore, a parent needs to record an application with the Family Justice Courts. The application can be made by either the custodial or non-custodial parent, or even the child assuming they are north of 21 years old. In the event that the parties can agree, the court will issue a consent request. In the event that no understanding is reached during intervention, the case will continue to a trial where an appointed authority will conclude the maintenance sum.

Enforcement of child maintenance orders

In the event that a parent fails to consent to a child maintenance request, the other parent can make a legal move to enforce the request. This might incorporate applying for a connection of earnings request, which directs the defaulting guardian’s boss to deduct the maintenance sum from their salary, or applying for a distress warrant, which allows the seizure and sale of the defaulting guardian’s property to recuperate the maintenance owed.

Looking for more information on child maintenance in Singapore? Click here. It is essential for the two parents and children to ensure the child’s government assistance is secured. By monitoring the legal framework and the process for acquiring and enforcing maintenance orders, parents can more readily explore the system and focus on offering the necessary help for their child.