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
Child support in Viby, Denmark follows the same national rules that apply across Denmark. The system is designed to ensure that children receive financial support from their parents when parents no longer share a household. Support can be arranged by agreement between the parents, set by a public authority, or determined by a court when parents cannot agree. In Viby you will normally deal with municipal authorities, the national family law body, and if necessary the courts in Aarhus for formal decisions and enforcement. The fundamental aim is to protect the child’s economic wellbeing and secure contributions that reflect the child’s needs and the parents’ ability to pay.
Many child support matters are straightforward and resolved by agreement. However, you may need a lawyer in the following common situations:
- Paternity or parentage disputes - when the legal parent of the child is not agreed, or when biological parentage must be established to start a support claim.
- Contested support amounts - when parents disagree about the reasonable level of support, or when significant income or asset issues make calculation complex.
- Enforcement and arrears - when a paying parent fails to make agreed or ordered payments and enforcement procedures or court action are required.
- Modification of orders - when there is a significant change in circumstances such as job loss, serious illness, or a substantial change in the child’s needs and you need to change an existing order.
- International cases - when a parent lives outside Denmark and you need cross-border recognition, enforcement, or to use international recovery mechanisms.
- Complex family situations - cases involving multiple children from different relationships, shared custody with split care, or involvement of public benefits can raise legal questions where advice is useful.
A lawyer can explain rights and obligations, help prepare and present evidence, negotiate agreements, represent you before Familieretshuset and the courts, and manage enforcement or international recovery.
Child support in Denmark is governed by national family and maintenance law, applied locally in Viby through national authorities and local courts. Key legal aspects to understand include the following.
- Legal obligation - parents have a legal duty to financially support their children. This obligation continues whether or not the parents are married or live together.
- Agreements and formal decisions - parents can agree on support privately and register agreements with the national family authority. If parents cannot agree, the family law authority or the courts can make a binding decision.
- Calculation factors - support amounts are based on the child’s needs, the custodial arrangement, and the parents’ financial capacity. Authorities use guidelines and case law to reach fair contributions rather than a single fixed formula.
- Establishing parentage - for unmarried parents, paternity must be established to secure a parent’s obligations. Recognition of paternity, voluntary acknowledgements, or genetic testing may be involved.
- Enforcement - when payments are not made, the creditor can seek enforcement through the courts. Public authorities may assist in collecting or advancing payments in certain situations.
- Modification and review - orders can be reviewed and changed if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Courts and authorities consider whether the change is long-term and material.
- International rules - EU and international agreements can affect cross-border cases, including recognition and enforcement of foreign maintenance orders. Danish authorities cooperate with foreign counterparts to recover maintenance abroad.
Either parent who has custody of the child or the person who cares for the child can seek child support. If an agency or municipality pays benefits on behalf of the child, they may also pursue recovery from the non-paying parent. The applicant must be the person who has the legal standing to claim support for the child.
There is no single universal formula. Authorities and courts consider the child’s needs, the custodial arrangement, the parents’ incomes and living expenses, any special needs of the child, and standard practice and guidelines. The result is intended to be reasonable and proportionate to both the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to contribute.
Yes. Parents may reach a private written agreement on support. To make an agreement easier to enforce later, it is advisable to register or formalise it with the national family law authority or convert it into a court order. A lawyer can help draft an agreement that protects your rights and clarifies enforcement options.
If payments stop, you can demand payment and, if that does not work, pursue enforcement through the courts or apply to the relevant state authority for assistance. Enforcement can lead to wage garnishment, seizure of assets, or other measures. A lawyer can help initiate enforcement and advise about urgent protective steps.
In many cases you can claim unpaid maintenance for a prior period, but the extent and time limits depend on the circumstances and whether you asked the authorities to act earlier. Courts consider how promptly claims were made and any relevant statutory limits. Legal advice helps clarify how far back you can recover arrears.
Yes. If there is a significant and lasting change in circumstances - for example, a substantial income change, change in custody, or change in the child’s needs - you can ask the authority or court to vary the order. Temporary or minor changes are less likely to justify modification.
International cases add complexity. Denmark takes part in EU and international arrangements that allow recognition and enforcement of maintenance claims across borders. You may need to involve national authorities or courts to use international recovery procedures. A lawyer experienced in cross-border family law can advise on the appropriate procedures.
Tax treatment can change and depends on tax rules and the specific circumstances. Generally, child support is intended for the child and does not function like income for the receiving parent in the same way as wages. For precise tax treatment and any reporting obligations, consult a tax adviser or lawyer who understands Danish tax law.
Yes. If the parents are not married and paternity is not established, you usually need to confirm legal parentage before a maintenance claim can proceed. Paternity can be established by voluntary acknowledgement or, if disputed, by a court order and genetic testing if necessary.
There are public legal aid schemes and local free legal guidance services for people with limited means. The rules for legal aid depend on income and the case type. Municipal social services may also provide guidance or temporary financial help while you pursue a claim. Seek early advice about eligibility for assistance.
When you need more detailed information or official help in Viby, consider contacting the following types of bodies and services.
- The national family law authority - for mediation, registration of agreements, and information about parental rights and obligations.
- The local municipal family or social services in Aarhus Kommune - for practical support, information about public benefits, and local procedures.
- The district court in Aarhus - for litigation, enforcement, and formal court orders when parties cannot agree.
- Tax advisers and accountants - for questions about tax treatment of maintenance and any interaction with benefits.
- Legal aid centres and pro bono family law services - for people who qualify for free or subsidised legal help.
- Family law specialists and law firms in Aarhus and the surrounding area - for experienced counsel in complex, contested, or international cases.
- Official law publication services and guidance portals - for authoritative texts of statutes and procedural rules.
Follow these practical steps if you need legal assistance with child support in Viby.
- Gather documentation - collect birth certificates, proof of residence and custody arrangements, income statements and payslips, bank records showing payments or non-payments, and any prior agreements or court orders.
- Establish parentage if needed - start the process to confirm paternity or legal parentage if it is not already established.
- Try to reach an agreement - consider direct negotiation or mediation with the other parent to agree a sustainable support plan. A written agreement provides clarity and is easier to enforce if registered.
- Contact the national family law authority - for information on registering agreements, mediation services, or filing a maintenance claim.
- Seek legal advice - consult a family law lawyer to review your situation, explain your options, and represent you before authorities or courts. If cost is an issue, ask about legal aid or low-cost advice options.
- Prepare for enforcement if needed - if the other parent is unwilling to pay, your lawyer or the authority can advise on enforcement measures such as wage garnishment or seizure of assets.
- Consider international procedures early - if the other parent is abroad, early involvement of a lawyer or authority experienced in international maintenance recovery will improve your chances of success.
Getting the right advice early can reduce delay, protect the child’s rights, and improve the chances of an enforceable, fair outcome. If you are unsure where to start, contact your local municipal family service or a family law lawyer in Aarhus who can explain the first practical steps.
