Child Support (Børnebidrag) in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially:
- Normal contribution (normalbidrag): The non-resident parent pays a standard amount set annually by the government — approximately DKK 1,620/month (2025) for children 0–17.
- Additional contributions: If the paying parent has a significantly higher income, Familieretshuset can order supplementary contributions (tillæg) — 100 %, 200 %, or 300 % on top of the normal amount.
- Education contribution: Continues to age 24 if the child is in education (uddannelsesbidrag).
- Enforcement: If the paying parent does not pay, the receiving parent can claim an advance payment (forskudsvis udbetaling) from the municipality (Udbetaling Danmark), which then recovers the debt from the defaulting parent.
When does it apply?
- Parents live apart and the child primarily resides with one parent.
- You cannot agree on child support and need Familieretshuset to set the amount.
What to Do If the Other Parent Is Not Paying Child Support in Denmark
- If you can agree, make a written agreement and register it with Familieretshuset.
- If you cannot agree, apply to Familieretshuset to set the contribution — they assess based on the paying parent's income.
- If the other parent does not pay, apply for advance child support from your municipality — the state pays you and pursues the debt.
- Report changes in income to Familieretshuset if you believe the contribution should be adjusted.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't withhold contact because child support is not being paid — custody and support are legally separate issues.
- Don't hide income to reduce your obligation — Familieretshuset cross-checks with tax data.
- Don't ignore a child support order — unpaid contributions become debt enforceable through Gældsstyrelsen (wage garnishment, asset seizure).
Common Questions
How much is child support (børnebidrag) in Denmark?
The standard amount (normalbidrag) for children 0-17 is approximately DKK 1,620 per month in 2025, set annually by the government and paid by the non-resident parent. If the paying parent has a significantly higher income, Familieretshuset can order supplementary contributions (tillæg) of 100%, 200%, or 300% on top of the normal amount.
What happens if the other parent refuses to pay child support in Denmark?
Apply for advance child support (forskudsvis udbetaling) from your municipality via Udbetaling Danmark. The state pays you and then recovers the debt from the defaulting parent. Unpaid contributions become enforceable debt through Gældsstyrelsen, which can use wage garnishment or asset seizure.
Can I stop contact because the other parent won't pay child support?
No. Custody, contact, and child support are legally separate issues in Denmark — you cannot withhold contact because payments are missed. If your income changes, report it to Familieretshuset so the contribution can be adjusted. Don't hide income to reduce your obligation; Familieretshuset cross-checks with tax data. Support continues to age 24 if the child is in education.
When does it apply — child support (børnebidrag)?
Parents live apart and the child primarily resides with one parent.You cannot agree on child support and need Familieretshuset to set the amount.
What should I do if my ex-partner is refusing to pay børnebidrag child support in Denmark?
If you can agree, make a written agreement and register it with Familieretshuset.If you cannot agree, apply to Familieretshuset to set the contribution — they assess based on the paying parent's income.If the other parent does not pay, apply for advance child support from your municipality — the state pays you and pursues the debt.Report changes in income to Familieretshuset if you believe the contribution should be adjusted.
What should you NOT do — child support (børnebidrag)?
Don't withhold contact because child support is not being paid — custody and support are legally separate issues.Don't hide income to reduce your obligation — Familieretshuset cross-checks with tax data.Don't ignore a child support order — unpaid contributions become debt enforceable through Gældsstyrelsen (wage garnishment, asset seizure).