Child Support

Both parents listed on the birth certificate are financially responsible for their minor children – that’s the law. When a relationship comes to an end, the wellbeing and best interests of your children is of primary concern and it is necessary to discuss with your former spouse/partner how you both would contribute to your children’s welfare.

Over the last years, child support and alimony disputes have become less common in courts. Parents do prefer to discuss these matters with legal professionals to draft a settlement agreement instead of a court session. This agreement should be verified by a notary public.

Unfortunately, emotional circumstances sometimes make it difficult for both parties to reach an agreement. Should it be the case, the decision will be made by the court. A parent who will stay with a child might claim for considerable child support from the other parent. Normally this amount should be 25% of the parent’s salary and/or any other income for one child and 1/3 of the parent’s salary and/or any other income for two children.

A parent who doesn’t live with his or her child MUST pay child support to another parent in Russia. Therefore, we would like to warn single men who fathered children through surrogacy against listing the surrogate as the mother on the birth certificate. In this case, the surrogate can take your child away from you and be entitled for a quarter of your income. When represented by our lawyers you can always get a birth certificate with a genetic father’s name on it and without surrogate’s name through a court decision – clearly a better and more reasonable solution.

Always use professional legal help in court and protect your interests with agreements drafted by professional lawyers.