manutención

Manutención is a term used in civil and family law to describe the financial support provided for family dependents, most commonly child support from a parent to the child or to the caregiver, and in some contexts spousal or partner maintenance. It may be established by a court, agreed in a settlement, or administered by government programs, depending on the jurisdiction.

The obligation typically falls on the parent or guardian with greater income and is paid to the other parent or directly to the recipient. Calculation usually considers the payer’s income, the number of dependents, and the needs of the recipient, guided by national guidelines or formulas. Factors such as custody arrangements can affect the amount, with shared custody often reducing the obligation. Payments are generally regular (for example monthly) and may be adjusted over time to reflect changes in income or needs.

Enforcement mechanisms exist to ensure compliance and can include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, restrictions on travel or licenses, and, in some places, penalties or detention for non-payment. International aspects arise when a payer and recipient are in different countries; international conventions and bilateral agreements facilitate enforcement and collection across borders.

Modification and termination: manutención can be changed if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as income shifts or emancipation. Child maintenance typically ends when the child reaches legal adulthood or becomes self-supporting; spousal maintenance, where applicable, varies by jurisdiction and may have a defined term or be ongoing.

Overall, manutención seeks to secure the financial well-being of dependents, while reflecting local laws and social policies.