Procedure for claiming alimony

The collection of alimony in Ukraine can be carried out in two main ways: voluntarily or through the court.

1. Voluntary order:

• Agreement between parents: Parents can enter into a written agreement for child support payments, specifying the amount, form, and payment schedule. Such an agreement must be notarized.

2. Judicial order:

• Court order: If there is no dispute between the parents regarding the amount of alimony, the claimant can apply to the court for a court order. The court order is issued without a hearing and is an enforceable document.
• Lawsuit proceedings: If there is a dispute between the parents regarding the amount or payment schedule of alimony, a lawsuit must be filed in court. The court will consider the financial status of the parties and other circumstances.

3. Enforcement of the court decision:

• Enforcement proceedings: After receiving the enforceable document (court order or judgment), the claimant can contact the enforcement service to collect the alimony forcibly. The enforcement officer will collect the alimony from the debtor in the amount specified in the enforceable document, but not less than the minimum guaranteed amount provided by the Family Code of Ukraine.

4. Responsibility for non-payment of alimony:

• Administrative liability: If there is overdue alimony for more than three months, temporary restrictions can be imposed on the debtor, such as a ban on leaving the country, driving vehicles, etc.
• Criminal liability: For intentional evasion of alimony payments leading to significant arrears, criminal liability is provided.