Child Support (Meðlag)
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Icelandic National Law
What is this right?
Parents are legally obliged to support their child until age 18:
- Minimum child support (meðlag): ISK 48,131 per month (as of January 2025). This amount is adjusted annually by Alþingi — check the current rate at island.is.
- The minimum equals the child support allowance (barnalífeyrir).
- Two tiers: Basic support (minimum) and increased support (aukið meðlag).
- Increased support may be requested from the District Commissioner based on the paying parent's income, earning capacity, the child's special needs, and other factors.
Tryggingastofnun (Social Insurance Administration) acts as intermediary for basic support — it prepays child support to the custodial parent and then collects from the liable parent.
When does it apply?
- Parents are separated or divorced and the child lives primarily with one parent.
- The obligation applies until the child reaches age 18.
What should you do?
- If the other parent is not paying, contact Tryggingastofnun (TR) — they can prepay basic support to you and collect from the other parent.
- To request increased support, apply to the District Commissioner.
- The custodial parent can initiate enforcement proceedings against non-payment.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't withhold access to the child because of unpaid support — custody and support are separate legal issues.
- Don't stop paying support unilaterally — apply to the District Commissioner for a modification if your circumstances change.
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