Can I demand Child Support from Live in Partner. Our child bears his last name

Hello,

Yes, you can demand child support from your live-in partner — especially if the child carries his last name and paternity is acknowledged or can be legally established. Under family law in Pakistan, every biological father is obligated to financially support his child, regardless of the nature of the relationship with the mother.

You may file a child maintenance petition in the family court. The court will consider the father’s income and the child’s needs to decide the appropriate monthly support amount.

Hello: We deeply understand the emotional toll and legal complications involved in your current situation with your live-in partner. Please know that you are not alone, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Given your experience of emotional and psychological abuse, it is important to know that under Philippine law, you may be entitled to protection and legal remedies under Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (VAWC). This law protects women and children from abuse in intimate relationships, even in live-in arrangements, and allows you to seek a Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Temporary Protection Order (TPO), or Permanent Protection Order (PPO) from the court.

With regard to child support, whether or not you were legally married, the father of your child remains obligated under the law to provide support. Article 195 of the Family Code provides that parents are legally bound to support their children, which includes everything essential for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education, and transportation. If he refuses to provide support, we can file a petition for support in court or as part of a VAWC-related proceeding.