What is the minimum child maintenance?
Thirty per cent of the subsistence minimum for a dependent child — that is the statutory floor. The minimum maintenance for each child is 30% of the subsistence minimum for a dependent child. From 1 July 2025 that subsistence figure was €132.47, which put the minimum maintenance at €39.74 a month. Note: the subsistence figures are revised every 1 July, so check the current value — the minimum moves with it automatically. But this is only the floor, not the usual award: the court sets maintenance according to the child's justified needs and the parent's abilities, means and financial circumstances — on a higher income it awards considerably more.
📋 The rules
- Minimum: 30% of the subsistence minimum for a dependent child
- From 1 Jul 2025: subsistence €132.47 → maintenance €39.74
- The subsistence figures change every 1 July
- This is a floor, not the usual award
- The court weighs the child's needs and the parent's means
🔓 Exceptions
- The minimum applies to each child separately, not to all of them together
- The petition must be reasoned: parents' income and assets, and the child's needs
- Maintenance can be varied by a fresh petition if circumstances change
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to pay maintenance is not merely a debt — it is the criminal offence of neglecting a duty of support. Beyond the criminal side, maintenance is enforced: by deductions from wages, from bank accounts and against property. Crucially for the applicant: the petition must be reasoned — setting out the income and assets of both parents and the child's justified needs — and attach the birth certificates and income statements. Without them the court will award only the minimum. And remember: if circumstances change — a higher parental income, greater needs — maintenance can be varied by a fresh petition; it does not rise by itself.
📎 Official sources
- Slov-Lex · Family Act (36/2005) →
- Slov-Lex · Subsistence Minimum Act →
- Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family →
❓ Frequently asked
What is the minimum maintenance?
Thirty per cent of the subsistence minimum for a dependent child. From 1 July 2025 that subsistence figure was €132.47, putting the minimum maintenance at €39.74 a month for each child.
Does the figure change?
Yes. The subsistence minimum is revised every 1 July, and the minimum maintenance moves with it automatically. So always check the value currently in force.
Is the minimum also the usual award?
No, it is only the floor. The court sets maintenance according to the child's justified needs and the parent's abilities, means and financial circumstances — on a higher income it awards considerably more.
What must the petition contain?
A proposed figure with reasons — the income and assets of both parents and the child's justified needs — together with attachments: the birth certificates and income statements.
What happens if it is not paid?
It is the criminal offence of neglecting a duty of support. Beyond that, maintenance is enforced by deductions from wages, from bank accounts and against the paying parent's property.
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