försörjningsskyldiga

Försörjningsskyldiga is a Swedish legal term that translates to "person responsible for maintenance" or "obligor for support." It refers to an individual who has a legal obligation to financially support another person. This obligation typically arises in specific family law contexts.

The most common scenario where försörjningsskyldighet applies is between parents and their children. Parents are legally obligated to provide for their minor children's upbringing, which includes food, clothing, housing, healthcare, and education. This obligation continues even if the parents are separated or divorced. The specific level of support can be determined through mutual agreement or by a court order, often based on the child's needs and the parents' financial capacity.

Försörjningsskyldighet can also extend to spouses or former spouses in certain situations. For example, after a divorce, one spouse may have a temporary or ongoing obligation to provide financial support to the other, particularly if there is a significant disparity in income or earning capacity, or if one spouse has sacrificed career opportunities for the family. This is often referred to as spousal support or alimony.

The legal framework in Sweden, primarily governed by the Parents' Code (Föräldrabalken) and the Marriage Code (Äktenskapsbalken), outlines the grounds for and extent of försörjningsskyldighet. Enforcement mechanisms exist to ensure that individuals fulfill their maintenance obligations. Failure to do so can lead to legal action, including wage garnishment or other measures to recover unpaid support. The principle behind försörjningsskyldighet is to ensure that individuals, particularly vulnerable ones like children, are not left without necessary financial means and that reasonable living standards are maintained within family relationships.