Fenntartókötelességi

Fenntartókötelességi is a Hungarian legal term that translates to "maintenance obligation" or "duty of support." It refers to the legal requirement for individuals to provide financial support to others, typically within family relationships, to ensure their basic needs are met. This obligation is primarily established by law and is most commonly seen in contexts of parental responsibility for children and spousal support after divorce.

In Hungarian family law, parents have a statutory duty to provide for the upbringing, education, and maintenance of their minor children. This obligation continues even if the parents are divorced or separated. The amount of maintenance is generally determined based on the child's needs and the financial capacity of the parent obligated to pay. Courts can establish and enforce these maintenance obligations.

Beyond parental support for children, fenntartókötelességi can also apply to spouses or former spouses under certain circumstances. For instance, a court may order one spouse to provide financial support to the other if they are unable to support themselves adequately after a divorce, particularly if there are significant disparities in earning capacity or if one spouse has sacrificed their career for the family. This type of support is often temporary, aimed at helping the recipient become self-sufficient. The legal framework surrounding fenntartókötelességi aims to prevent destitution and ensure a basic standard of living for vulnerable individuals, particularly children and those dependent on others for support.