Elatustasu

Elatustasu is a Finnish term that translates to "maintenance allowance" or "child support" in English. It refers to financial support provided by one parent to the other for the upbringing of their child or children, particularly in cases of separation or divorce.

The purpose of elatustasu is to ensure that children continue to receive adequate financial resources for their needs, regardless of their parents' marital status. This includes covering expenses such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare, and education. The amount of elatustasu is typically determined based on the child's needs and the financial capacity of both parents.

In Finland, elatustasu can be agreed upon by the parents themselves, or it can be determined by a court if an agreement cannot be reached. The law provides guidelines for calculating these payments, taking into account factors like parental income, the number of children, and custody arrangements. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) also plays a role in administering and enforcing elatustasu payments in certain circumstances. The term can also encompass spousal maintenance, though child support is its primary and most common application.