Best Child Support Lawyers in Kalundborg

About Child Support Law in Kalundborg, Denmark

Child support in Denmark is a national system that applies in Kalundborg just as it does everywhere else in the country. The rules are set by Danish legislation and administered primarily by the Agency of Family Law, called Familieretshuset. Child support is called børnebidrag and is intended to help cover a child’s daily needs when parents live apart. Parents can make their own agreement, but if they disagree or want an official decision, Familieretshuset can set the amount and formalize it.

There is an annually adjusted standard rate called normalbidrag. Depending on the payer’s income and the child’s circumstances, the contribution can be set at the standard rate or at a multiple of that rate. In some situations there can also be one-off special contributions for events or expenses such as confirmation, baptism, school start, or significant medical or educational costs. If the person ordered to pay does not pay, Udbetaling Danmark can advance the child support to the receiving parent and then recover the money from the payer.

Most child support matters are handled administratively. Some disputes can be brought before the courts if necessary. For residents of Kalundborg, court matters typically fall under the District Court of Holbæk, but cases usually begin with Familieretshuset.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many parents manage child support without a lawyer, but legal help can be valuable when the situation is complex or contested. You may benefit from legal advice if you and the other parent cannot agree on the amount or start date of support, or if there is disagreement about the child’s residence and how that affects support. A lawyer can help you prepare an application to Familieretshuset, gather the right documentation, and present income and expense information clearly.

Legal assistance is also useful if your income has changed and you need to request an adjustment, if there are questions about shared care arrangements and their impact on support, or if one parent lives outside Denmark and you need help with cross-border enforcement or recognition of a foreign decision. If payments are not being made and enforcement is needed, a lawyer can explain options, timelines, and interaction with Udbetaling Danmark, Gældsstyrelsen, and the tax authorities. In rare cases where a court hearing is required, a lawyer can represent you at Retten i Holbæk.

Local Laws Overview

Scope and principles. Child support is based on national law. The guiding principle is that both parents contribute according to their ability to the costs of raising the child. The child’s best interests are central. Parents can agree on an amount that Familieretshuset can register. If there is no agreement, Familieretshuset can decide based on the payer’s income and the child’s needs.

Standard rate and multiples. Denmark uses a nationally set standard monthly rate that is adjusted once a year. Familieretshuset can set support at the standard rate or a higher multiple if the payer has higher income. The authority may also decide that no support is payable in some equal-care situations if both parents have similar means and care responsibilities.

Special contributions. In addition to monthly support, certain one-off special contributions can be granted for defined occasions or significant necessary expenses. These are decided case by case and often require documentation.

Duration. Ordinary child support normally runs until the child turns 18. After 18, the young person can in some cases receive maintenance directly if they are in education and meet legal criteria. This is not automatic and requires an application.

Shared care and residence. If the child spends roughly equal time with both parents, child support may be reduced or set at zero, depending on incomes and the actual care pattern. Travel costs for contact can sometimes affect the assessment.

Taxes. Child support is generally not taxable income for the recipient and not tax deductible for the payer. It is separate from the public child and youth benefit that is paid by the state.

Enforcement and advance payment. If the payer does not pay, Udbetaling Danmark can advance the payment to the receiving parent after an application and will then collect from the payer using tools such as wage withholding and set-off. Interest and fees can apply to arrears. Gældsstyrelsen may be involved in collection.

Process and evidence. Applications to set or change child support are filed with Familieretshuset, usually via Digital Post or self-service. You will typically need recent income documentation, information about the child’s residence and care pattern, any prior agreements or decisions, and documentation for special expenses. There can be a state fee for some applications. Processing times vary.

Appeals and court. Decisions from Familieretshuset can in many cases be appealed to Ankestyrelsen. Certain disputes can be brought to the Family Court within the local district court. For Kalundborg residents, the competent district court is typically Retten i Holbæk.

Cross-border cases. Denmark participates in EU and international maintenance frameworks that allow recognition and enforcement across borders. Familieretshuset acts as the central authority in many of these matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in Denmark

Familieretshuset starts from the nationally fixed standard rate and then looks at the payer’s income and the child’s situation. If the payer’s income is higher than average, the contribution can be set at a multiple of the standard rate. In shared care situations the amount can be reduced or set to zero, depending on both parents’ finances and how care is actually divided.

Do we need a formal decision if we already agree

No, parents can agree among themselves. However, it is often wise to register the agreement with Familieretshuset so it is clear, enforceable, and easier to manage if circumstances change later. A registered agreement can also help with advance payment by Udbetaling Danmark if the payer later fails to pay.

How long do I have to pay child support

Ordinary child support generally ends when the child turns 18. After 18, the young person can in some cases receive maintenance directly if they are in education and meet the legal criteria. That requires a separate application and is time limited.

What happens if the payer does not pay

The receiving parent can apply to Udbetaling Danmark for advance payment. If granted, Udbetaling Danmark will pay the monthly support and then collect the debt from the payer, including any fees and interest. Enforcement can include wage withholding and set-off against tax refunds.

Can child support be changed if income changes

Yes. If there is a significant and lasting change in income or in the child’s needs or residence pattern, you can apply to Familieretshuset for an adjustment. Provide updated documentation. Changes can sometimes be made effective from the application date, and in limited cases retroactively, depending on the circumstances.

How does shared care affect child support

In near equal 7-7 or similar arrangements, support is not automatic. Familieretshuset considers each parent’s income and how care and costs are split. Support can be reduced, set to a minimal amount, or not set at all if the parents have comparable incomes and care patterns.

Are special expenses like confirmation or medical costs covered

Possibly. In addition to monthly support, the law allows for one-off special contributions for defined events or necessary expenses. You must apply and document the need. Familieretshuset decides whether a special contribution is appropriate and how much it should be.

Is child support taxable or deductible

As a general rule, child support is not taxable income for the recipient and not tax deductible for the payer. If you are unsure about your specific situation, ask a tax adviser or the Danish Tax Agency.

What if one parent lives abroad

Denmark participates in EU and international maintenance frameworks that allow recognition and enforcement across borders. Familieretshuset can assist as the central authority in many cross-border applications, and Danish decisions can often be enforced abroad and vice versa.

Does my new partner’s income matter

Child support is primarily based on the payer’s income and the child’s needs. A new partner’s income does not replace the parent’s obligation, but overall household circumstances can sometimes be relevant when assessing ability to pay or need, depending on the facts.

Additional Resources

Familieretshuset. National authority for child support decisions, registration of agreements, special contributions, and guidance. Offers digital self-service and case handling.

Udbetaling Danmark. Handles advance payment of child support when the payer does not pay and manages subsequent recovery from the payer.

Ankestyrelsen. Appeal body for many administrative family law decisions if you disagree with a decision from Familieretshuset.

Retten i Holbæk. Local district court for Kalundborg area for family court proceedings when a matter must be decided by a judge.

Kalundborg Kommune Borgerservice. Can help with Digital Post access, public computers, and general guidance on contacting state authorities.

Gældsstyrelsen. Danish Debt Collection Agency involved in recovering public debts, including child support arrears advanced by the state.

Danish Tax Agency. Guidance on the tax treatment of child support and related benefits.

Danske Familieadvokater. Professional association where you can find experienced family lawyers who handle child support matters.

Advokatvagten in Region Zealand. Free drop-in legal advice sessions offered at set times in many towns, including areas near Kalundborg.

Civilstyrelsen. Authority that administers legal aid and free legal process in eligible cases based on income and case merits.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals. Decide whether you need to set child support for the first time, adjust an existing amount, request a special contribution, or seek enforcement for missed payments. Write down your main questions and any deadlines.

Gather documentation. Collect recent income information such as payslips and tax assessments, details of the child’s residence and care schedule, any prior agreements or decisions, and receipts for special expenses. Having complete documentation speeds up your case.

Consider an agreement. If communication with the other parent is constructive, try to agree on an amount and start date that reflect your finances and the child’s needs. You can ask Familieretshuset to register the agreement so it is official and enforceable.

Contact Familieretshuset. If you need a decision or a change, file an application through digital self-service or via Digital Post. Ask about any applicable state fee and possible fee reductions.

If payments are missing, apply to Udbetaling Danmark. Request advance payments if you qualify so that the child’s needs are covered while collection proceeds against the payer.

Seek legal advice when needed. Speak with a family lawyer if your case is contested, involves shared care with complex finances, includes cross-border issues, or may go to court. Ask about options for legal aid and insurance coverage.

Track deadlines and communicate in writing. Keep copies of all correspondence and decisions, use Digital Post, and note appeal deadlines if you receive a decision you may want to challenge.

Prepare for changes. If your income or the care arrangement changes, update the other parent and consider applying promptly to adjust child support. Timely action helps avoid arrears and disputes.

This guide provides general information. For advice tailored to your situation in Kalundborg, consult Familieretshuset or a qualified family lawyer.