After ten years, the state has changed the Law on temporary maintenance to better protect children whose non-custodial parent does not pay or only partially pays alimony. The changes include increasing the amount paid by the state to a child from an average of 100 to 200 euros, and ensuring that the child receives the full legal minimum amount even if the person responsible for payments does not meet this requirement. The period for payment of compensation has been extended, now lasting until the children reach the age of majority or up to age 26 if they are still in school. Those with serious and permanent illness or disability will be eligible for temporary maintenance for as long as the incapacity lasts.
The process for recognizing and paying temporary maintenance will now be handled by the Agency for the Insurance of Workers’ Claims, and grandparents will no longer be responsible for providing maintenance. The state will now demand repayment from the non-paying parent with default interest, and repo options such as foreclosing bank accounts or enabling debt repayment through public work. The debt will not be claimed from the heirs if the liable person passes away.
All political parties support these changes, with the opposition questioning why the state does not pursue options like foreclosing companies or property of higher value from those who do not pay alimony. The opposition suggests that the state pay the full amount of alimony, work to shorten processing times for temporary maintenance requests, and have concerns about the capacity of the Agency for the Insurance of Workers’ Claims to handle this new responsibility.
The second reading of the Law on Temporary Maintenance in parliament is expected in the fall, with the new rules aimed at protecting children set to come into effect by the end of the year. Concerns and suggestions from the opposition have been raised regarding the implementation and effectiveness of these changes.