Child Support (Børnebidrag)
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance.
Danish National Law
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 should you do?
- 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).
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