Awarding Child Support for a Minor
If the parents of a minor child (or one of them) fail to fulfill their obligation to financially support their underage children, the court in Lithuania may award child support based on a claim submitted by one of the parents, the child’s guardian (custodian), or the state child rights protection institution.
Awarding of Support for Minor Children and Spouses
Support is also awarded if the parents, when divorcing or beginning to live separately, do not reach an agreement regarding the maintenance of their minor children in accordance with the procedure established by the relevant laws of the Republic of Lithuania.
The court shall award child support until the child reaches the age of majority, except in cases where the child is incapable of work due to a disability that was established while the child was still a minor.
Termination of Awarded Child Support
The enforcement of court-ordered child support in Lithuania is terminated if:
- the minor becomes emancipated;
- the child reaches the age of majority;
- the child is adopted;
- the child dies.
In the event that the person who was ordered to pay child support dies, the obligation to provide support passes to their heirs, to the extent that the inherited property allows.
Parental Obligation Regardless of Custodial Status
The obligation of parents to support their minor children remains in force even if the children are separated from their parents or if parental rights are restricted, except in cases where the child is adopted.
Methods of Awarding Child Support by Court
The court may award child support from parents (or one of them) who fail to fulfill their duty of support using the following methods:
- periodic monthly payments;
- a specific lump sum of money;
- awarding certain property to the child.