Agreement for Child Support in the Philippines: What You Need to Know

When a couple with children decides to end their marriage or relationship, it`s important to ensure that the children`s best interests are taken into account. One of the most crucial aspects of this is creating an agreement for child support, which outlines how much financial support the non-custodial parent must provide for the children.

In the Philippines, child support agreements are typically part of legal proceedings for annulment, separation, or declaration of nullity of marriage. However, parents can also create an agreement outside of court with the help of a lawyer or mediator.

Here are some key points to consider when creating a child support agreement in the Philippines:

1. Who Pays and How Much?

Child support payments are typically made by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. The amount of support is determined based on the needs of the child and the income of both parents. The Philippine Supreme Court has established guidelines for calculating child support based on the net disposable income of the parent paying support, the number of children, and other factors.

2. What Expenses are Covered?

Child support payments should cover the child`s basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and education. However, it may also include other expenses such as medical and dental costs, extracurricular activities, and transportation costs. It`s important to be clear about what expenses are included in the agreement to avoid confusion or disputes.

3. Duration of Support

Child support agreements can be temporary or permanent. Temporary support is typically awarded while the legal proceedings are ongoing and may be modified after the final decision is made. Permanent support is awarded until the child reaches the age of majority, but may be extended if the child has special needs or is still attending school.

4. Enforcement of Agreement

To ensure that child support payments are made on time, the agreement should include provisions for enforcement, such as penalties for late payments or non-payment. If the non-custodial parent fails to comply with the agreement, the custodial parent can seek legal remedies such as wage garnishment or property seizure.

In conclusion, creating an agreement for child support in the Philippines is an important part of ensuring that children receive the financial support they need after a separation or divorce. It`s essential to work with a lawyer or mediator to ensure that the agreement is fair and enforceable, and to ensure that the child`s best interests are taken into account.