Child Support and Maintenance in Kuwait
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The father bears the sole legal obligation for financially supporting his children in Kuwait:
- The father must provide nafaqa (maintenance) covering food, housing, clothing, education, and medical care.
- Maintenance continues for sons until they can earn a living and for daughters until marriage.
- For a child with a disability or chronic illness, the father pays maintenance indefinitely.
- The Family Court sets the amount based on the father's income and the child's needs.
- A divorced custodial mother is entitled to a custody allowance for housing and child-related expenses.
- Non-payment of maintenance can lead to imprisonment — Kuwait courts enforce this actively.
When does it apply?
- You are a custodial parent and the father is not providing adequate financial support.
- You are a father and want to understand your maintenance obligations.
- You need to increase or decrease an existing maintenance order due to changed circumstances.
What to Do If the Father Is Not Paying Child Support in Kuwait
- File a maintenance claim at the Family Court — bring evidence of the child's needs and the father's income.
- If the father stops paying, file an enforcement request — non-payment can lead to imprisonment.
- If circumstances change (income increase or new expenses), apply to the court to modify the amount.
- Keep receipts for child-related expenses — the court may request evidence of how maintenance is spent.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not accept informal payment arrangements — get a court order so you have enforcement power including imprisonment.
- Do not withhold visitation because maintenance is late — these are separate legal issues and the court can reverse custody.
- Do not hide income or assets if you are the father — the court can investigate and impose penalties.
Common Questions
When does it apply — child support and maintenance?
You are a custodial parent and the father is not providing adequate financial support.You are a father and want to understand your maintenance obligations.You need to increase or decrease an existing maintenance order due to changed circumstances.
What should I do if my ex-husband is refusing to pay child support in Kuwait?
File a maintenance claim at the Family Court — bring evidence of the child's needs and the father's income.If the father stops paying, file an enforcement request — non-payment can lead to imprisonment.If circumstances change (income increase or new expenses), apply to the court to modify the amount.Keep receipts for child-related expenses — the court may request evidence of how maintenance is spent.
What should you NOT do — child support and maintenance?
Do not accept informal payment arrangements — get a court order so you have enforcement power including imprisonment.Do not withhold visitation because maintenance is late — these are separate legal issues and the court can reverse custody.Do not hide income or assets if you are the father — the court can investigate and impose penalties.