Child support in Czechia

Child support, often referred to as alimony or child maintenance (“Výživné” or “alimenty” in Czech language), is a critical aspect of family law in the Czech Republic. This legal obligation ensures that parents provide financial assistance to their children, allowing them to maintain a reasonable standard of living. In this article, we'll explore the key aspects of child support under Czech law.

Support Duration

Parents are legally obliged to support their children from birth until they are capable of earning their own living, typically after completing their education preparing them for future employment. When a parent fails to meet their financial support obligation voluntarily or adequately, the court steps in to determine the appropriate support payment.

Determining the Amount

The specific amount of child maintenance is determined based on several factors, including custody arrangements, the time children spend with each parent, and the parents' income and other support obligations. In essence, children are entitled to a standard of living that mirrors that of their parents.

The Ministry of Justice has established a recommended child support table, which serves as a reference point for determining support amounts. This table outlines the percentage of a parent's net income that should contribute to each child's support, depending on the number of children and their age group:

	1 child	2 children	3 children	4 children
0 - 5 years	14%	12%	10%	8%
6 - 10 years	16%	14%	12%	10%
11 - 15 years	18%	16%	14%	12%
over 16	20%	18%	16%	14%

To ensure that parents have sufficient income left for their own needs, a minimum net income threshold must also be considered. Typically, this threshold is set at 66% of the parent's net income for two children, 55% for three children, and 50% for four or more children.

Retrospective Support

Under the Czech law, child support can be granted retroactively for up to three years from the start of court proceedings. This provision ensures that children receive the financial assistance they are entitled to even if there was a delay in legal action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, child support in the Czech Republic is an important aspect of family law designed to protect the best interests of children. It ensures that parents fulfill their financial obligations, enabling their children to lead a life that reflects their parents' standard of living. If you require legal assistance or have questions regarding child support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@expatlaw.cz for more information.