Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
In Mar del Plata, as in the rest of Argentina, child support is known as alimentos. It is a legal obligation that parents owe to provide for their children’s basic needs, including food, housing, clothing, health care, and education. The framework is primarily national, but local practice occurs through the Buenos Aires Province court system and its family courts, including those serving General Pueyrredón Partido where Mar del Plata is located. A judge considers the child’s best interests, parental resources, and the child’s specific needs when ordering or modifying alimientos.
Most alimony matters are handled by the family courts in Buenos Aires Province. The Civil and Commercial Code of the Nation (CCyCN) governs the general rules, while provincial processes determine how cases are filed, served, and enforced. Modifications may be requested if a parent’s income or the child’s needs change significantly. Children may continue to receive support through adulthood in certain circumstances, depending on the case and provincial rules.
For individuals in Mar del Plata, practical steps often involve documenting income, expenses, and the child’s needs, then seeking a court order or enforcement action if payments are missed. Because laws may be updated and local court practices vary, consulting a solicitor with a mar del plata family law focus can help tailor guidance to your circumstances. Below you will find more detail on when you need a lawyer and how the process works locally.
Two main legal pillars shape child support in Argentina, including Mar del Plata residents:
The CCyCN codifies the obligation of parents to provide alimentary support to their children and sets the framework for calculating, modifying, and enforcing alimientos. It emphasizes the subsistence, education, health, and housing needs of the child, and it provides mechanisms to enforce payments through the courts. The CCyCN has been in force since its adoption and entry into effect on 1 August 2015, replacing the prior Civil and Commercial Codes.
Ley 26.061 strengthens child rights and informs how alimentary obligations should serve the best interests of the child. It established child protection standards and procedures that interact with alimony cases, including how courts assess the child’s evolving needs and the role of guardianship and parental responsibilities. This law was enacted in 2005 and has undergone updates to reflect changing child welfare standards.
In Buenos Aires Province, including Mar del Plata, the provincial procedural code governs how family matters, including alimientos, proceed in court. It covers petitions, service, timeframes, hearings, and enforcement processes at the provincial level. Local practice may adapt these provisions to reflect regional needs and court rules, so consulting a local solicitor is important for precise procedures and timelines.
“Alimentos es una obligación legal de los progenitores para garantizar la subsistencia y el desarrollo de los hijos.”
Este resumen es una síntesis de las normas generales y prácticas comunes. Para detalles actualizados, consulte las fuentes oficiales citadas a continuación.
For further reading, you can consult official sources for the CCyCN and child protection laws, and verify how provincial processes apply in Mar del Plata. See the citations in the Resources section for direct access.
Child support is called alimentos. Typically, both parents have a responsibility, but the primary payer is usually the parent who does not have primary custody. The court sets an amount based on income and the child’s needs, and adjusts it over time as circumstances change.
Begin by filing a petition in the local family court serving General Pueyrredón. A solicitor helps prepare documents, including birth certificates, income proof, and expense records. The court may issue temporary support while the case is ongoing.
Typical documents include the child’s birth certificate, both parents' income statements, tax returns, proof of expenses for the child, and any existing custody orders. Your solicitor will tailor the list to your case.
There is no fixed amount across all cases. The court considers parental income, the child’s needs, custodial arrangements, and any special expenses. A lawyer helps calculate an appropriate amount based on evidence.
While it is possible to represent yourself, a solicitor specialized in family law improves your ability to present evidence, negotiate, and navigate court timelines. This is especially helpful in complex or contested cases.
Cases vary by complexity and court backlog. A straightforward initial filing with an agreed amount can settle in a few months, while contested issues may take longer, sometimes 6-12 months or more.
Yes. A party can request modification if there is a significant change in income, needs, or custody arrangements. The court evaluates the new evidence and may adjust the amount accordingly.
Temporary alimony provides support while a case proceeds. Final alimony is established by a court order or settlement after full consideration of the child’s needs and the parents’ finances.
The court can enforce through wage garnishment, bank account seizure, or other remedies. A lawyer helps initiate and monitor enforcement actions to protect the child’s interests.
Yes. Argentina enforces international alimony obligations in appropriate cases through bilateral agreements or international treaties. A local solicitor can advise on cross-border enforcement options.
Yes. In some cases, establishing paternity may be necessary to secure child support. The court may order paternity testing or rely on other evidence to determine parental obligations.
Local government and nonprofit services may provide guidance or referral services. A solicitor can help connect you with eligible services and inform you about possible fee arrangements.
