Elatusavun

Elatusapu is a Finnish legal term referring to financial support provided by one person to another for their maintenance and upbringing. This typically occurs in cases of divorce or separation, where one parent is obligated to provide financial assistance for the child's needs to the other parent, who has primary custody.

The obligation to pay elatusapu is determined by law and considers factors such as the child's needs, the paying parent's ability to pay, and the receiving parent's financial situation. The amount can be agreed upon by the parents or determined by a court if an agreement cannot be reached. Factors influencing the amount include the child's age, expenses related to housing, education, healthcare, and other essential needs. The paying parent's income and assets are also crucial in calculating the appropriate sum.

Elatusapu can be paid directly from one parent to the other or, in some circumstances, through a social welfare office. If the paying parent fails to meet their obligations, enforcement measures can be taken. The obligation to pay elatusapu typically ends when the child turns 18, but it can continue if the child is still studying or undergoing vocational training after that age, up to a maximum of 21 years old. The purpose of elatusapu is to ensure that children receive adequate financial support for their well-being, regardless of their parents' marital status.