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Child Support Law in Ruiru, Kenya, is primarily governed by national statutes, as family law is not devolved to the county level. Child support, known locally as child maintenance, is an ongoing, periodic payment made by a parent for the financial benefit of a child following the end of a marriage or other relationship. In Kenya, both parents have a legal duty to support their child financially, whether they are custodial or non-custodial parents. This responsibility is enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, the Children's Act, and various international conventions on child rights to which Kenya is a signatory. The law ensures that the child's best interests are the primary consideration in all related legal proceedings.
There are several situations where you may require legal assistance in the field of Child Support, including: - Initiating the process of applying for child support - Seeking to modify an existing child support agreement or court order due to changes in financial circumstances - Enforcing a child support order when the non-custodial parent fails to pay - Disputing paternity or challenging the required amount of child support - Dealing with cross-jurisdictional issues if one parent lives outside Kenyan borders
Key aspects of local laws related to Child Support in Kenya include: - Recognition that both parents share equal responsibility for providing for their child - Calculation of the amount to be provided, which considers the needs of the child and the income of both parents - Provision for the court to issue orders for regular payments, lump sums, or providing property instead of cash - Legal means for enforcing child support payments, which can include garnishment of wages or seizure of property - Options to appeal child support orders if there is a justifiable reason to believe the judgment is unfair
Child support must be paid until the child turns 18, although it can be extended if the child is in school or has special needs.
The amount is calculated based on the needs of the child and the economic status of the parents. Courts often use a standardized table or guidelines, but they can make adjustments based on the specifics of the case.
Yes, either parent can petition the court to revise the support order if there has been a significant change in circumstances.
If a non-custodial parent fails to pay, legal action can be taken to enforce payment, including wage garnishment, penalties or fines, and even imprisonment in extreme cases.
Yes, but you may first need to establish paternity through legal channels.
Remarriage in itself does not directly affect child support unless there is a significant change in the economic circumstances that would justify revisiting the amount of support.
Yes, child support can be claimed regardless of the marital status of the parents at the time of the child's birth.
Child support generally cannot be waived as it is the right of the child; however, under special circumstances and with court approval, adjustments can be made.
To apply for child support, you will need to file a petition in a court that has the jurisdiction over family matters along with relevant documentation.
Child support typically includes provisions for basic education, but additional contributions for higher education can also be negotiated or ordered by the court.
For additional assistance and resources related to Child Support, you can reach out to the following: - The Children’s Court in Ruiru, which deals specifically with child-related cases - The Children’s Department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, which can provide guidance and support - Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offering legal aid such as the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya) - Local community legal clinics that provide advice and assistance on family-law matters
If you need legal assistance related to child support, here is how to proceed: - Firstly, collect any relevant financial information, documentation regarding your child’s needs, and any previous agreements or court orders - Consult with a lawyer specializing in family law to discuss your situation and understand your legal rights and obligations - If you cannot afford private legal services, consider reaching out to legal aid services provided through NGOs or community legal clinics - With your lawyer, prepare the necessary documentation and file a petition with the appropriate Children's Court - Work with your lawyer to negotiate an agreement or, if necessary, to represent you during court proceedings
