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In Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka, as well as other parts of the country, the law recognizes the pivotal duty both parents have to support and maintain their children financially. This duty incorporates children born within and outside marriage. The child support laws are mainly governed by the provisions of the Maintenance Act. If a parent fails to provide sufficient financial assistance, the aggrieved party can seek a legal order compelling the delinquent parent to provide maintenance.
Legal issues surrounding child support can be intricate and emotionally draining. You may need a lawyer's intervention in situations such as negotiating the child support amount, enforcing child support orders, addressing non-compliance issues, or modifying the existing order due to changed circumstances. Additionally, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal processes involved, such as court proceedings, thus ensuring that the child's best interests are prioritized.
The Maintenance Act of Sri Lanka covers child support laws. It highlights that every parent is obligated to maintain their child until the age of 18. However, if the child is still in full-time education or unable to maintain himself due to physical or mental infirmity, the obligation to provide may be extended. The amount of child support is determined by the court considering the child's needs and the financial abilities of the parents. Non-compliance may result in a variety of enforcement actions, including fines or imprisonment.
If a parent disobeys the court order to pay child support, measures like fines or imprisonment can be taken. It's also possible to garnish wages, seize property, or suspend business licenses until payments are made.
Yes, if there are significant changes in the living conditions of either parent or the child, the court may consider modifying the existing order. For this, you have to make an application illustrating the changed circumstances.
In shared custody scenarios, the court considers the amount of time the child spends with each parent and their respective financial ability to maintain the child.
Usually, the parents are the parties involved in the legal battle. However, there may be situations where an independent lawyer may be appointed to represent the interests of the child.
The court takes into account several factors to determine the child support amount. These include the income of both parents, the needs of the child (education, health, etc.), and the standard of living that the child is accustomed to.
Additional assistance can be sought from the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, which looks into the welfare of children in Sri Lanka. Moreover, several NGOs provide assistance to single parents and children, such as SOS Children's Villages Sri Lanka.
If you require legal assistance in child support, the first step is to consult with a family lawyer who specializes in child support cases. They can help you understand your rights, responsibilities and navigate the legal proceedings. You can also approach local NGOs or governmental bodies for advice and assistance.
