Child Maintenance
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance.
Singapore National Law
What is this right?
Both parents have a legal duty to maintain their children until they turn 21 (or longer if the child is in full-time education, has a disability, or is serving National Service):
- Father and mother equally liable: Under s68 of the Women's Charter, both parents must maintain their children. Under s69, if either parent neglects or refuses, the other can apply for a maintenance order.
- Amount: The court considers the financial needs of the child, the standard of living the child was accustomed to, and the income and means of both parents.
- Typical expenses covered: Food, housing, clothing, education (school fees, tuition), medical/dental, transport, and extracurricular activities.
When does it apply?
- You are a parent of a child under 21 (or older with valid exceptions).
- Your child's other parent is not contributing to the child's expenses.
- This applies to both married and unmarried parents.
What should you do?
- Try to agree on maintenance — a written agreement is enforceable if both parties consent.
- If no agreement, file a maintenance application at the Family Justice Courts.
- Prepare a detailed list of the child's monthly expenses with supporting receipts.
- If the other parent defaults on a court order, file a maintenance enforcement application.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't withhold access because maintenance is not paid — custody/access and maintenance are separate legal issues.
- Don't inflate expenses — the court requires genuine evidence.
- Don't delay filing — the child's needs are ongoing and the court cannot backdate maintenance.
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