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Child support law in Kowloon, Hong Kong is governed by the jurisdiction's Matrimonial Causes Ordinance. This law is enacted to ensure both parents are responsible for the financial and emotional needs of their children, regardless of the marital status of the parents. Child support involves the parent without custody making regular payments to the custodial parent to assist in covering a child's fundamental expenses, including housing, medical care, education, and general living costs.
It is not uncommon for the matters of child support to become complex and emotionally charged. You might need a lawyer in situations such as divorce or separation, where the division of financial responsibility for a child is uncertain. If your ex-partner refuses to pay child support, you may require legal representation to enforce the child support order. Legal help also becomes crucial when you need to alter the amount of child support because of changes in financial circumstances.
In Kowloon, Hong Kong, the courts define the amount of child support based on the needs of the child and the ability of the parents to pay. Apart from regular expenses, it can also cover extraordinary expenses like tutoring, special needs education, or medical treatment. The law applies to all parents, natural or adoptive, and even to a party that is not a biological parent but has assumed the role of a parent to the child. The order for child support remains in effect until the child turns 18 or further as ordered by the court in special circumstances.
Yes, under Hong Kong law, child support can be modified if the circumstances of either parent or the child's needs have changed significantly. A lawyer and the courts can provide guidance on what constitutes a significant change.
In the event of non-payment of child support, the courts can enforce the child support order. The penalties can range from wage garnishment to jail time.
Visitation and child support are two separate issues. A custodial parent cannot deny visitation rights if the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support. The appropriate recourse is to go back to court to enforce payment.
Child support is usually required until the child reaches the age of 18. However, the court may decide to prolong the payment period in cases where the child has special needs or is pursuing further education.
Child support is determined by considering several factors. These include the income and earning ability of the parents, the needs of the child, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage not dissolved.
The Hong Kong Social Welfare Department and the Family Court can provide additional assistance and information regarding child support. Non-profit organizations such as The Samaritans and Harmony House also provide valuable resources on family-related matters.
If you require legal assistance for child support, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in family law. They can guide you on how to file a lawsuit, negotiate a fair child support amount, or enforce a child support order. It is essential to seek legal advice as early as possible to protect your rights and the best interests of your child.
