Family

Child Support in Estonia

Alimony calculation, enforcement, state backup

Key Numbers for 2025
Current minimum child support amounts in Estonia
€301.74
Minimum per first child
€256.48
2nd+ child (85%)
€200
State backup max/month
18
Years of age

How Support is Calculated

Minimum Child Support

The minimum child support is set by law and linked to the subsistence minimum. From April 1, 2025: [PKS]

First child€301.74/month
Second child€256.48/month
Third and subsequent children€256.48/month
Time-Based Adjustment

If the child spends significant time (7+ days per month) with the paying parent, support may be reduced proportionally. [PKS]

Adjusted support = Base support × (30 - days with payer) / 30

Example: Child spends 10 days with paying parent → €301.74 × 20/30 = €201.16/month

Higher Than Minimum

Courts may order higher support based on: [PKS]

  • Special needs of the child (health, education)
  • Higher income of the paying parent
  • Standard of living the child was accustomed to
  • Extraordinary expenses (medical, educational)

How to Claim Child Support

1. Mutual Agreement

Parents can agree on support without court involvement:

  • • Written agreement signed by both parties
  • • Can be notarized for enforcement
  • • Flexible payment arrangements
  • • Can be modified by mutual consent
2. Labor Dispute Committee (TVK)

Free, faster alternative to court for uncontested claims:

  • • No court fees required
  • • Decision within 45 days
  • • Enforceable as court judgment
  • • Suitable for clear-cut cases
3. County Court

For contested cases or complex situations:

  • • File petition in child's residence county
  • • State fee may be waived for alimony claims
  • • Can claim retroactive support up to 1 year
  • • Binding judgment, appealable

State Backup (Elatisabi)

Requirements

  • • Valid court order or enforceable agreement
  • • Enforcement proceedings started
  • • Parent failed to pay for at least 1 month
  • • Child lives in Estonia

How to Apply

Apply through the Social Insurance Board (Sotsiaalkindlustusamet) online at eesti.ee or at local service points.

Payment Amount

Up to €200/month
Per child
100% recovery
State recovers full debt from debtor

Enforcement Measures

When support payments are not made voluntarily, various enforcement measures can be applied:

1

Bailiff Proceedings

The bailiff can seize assets, freeze bank accounts, and enforce the judgment through official channels. [PKS]

2

Wage Garnishment

Up to 50% of wages can be garnished for child support debts, higher than for other debts. [PKS]

3

License Suspension

Driving licenses and hunting permits can be suspended for chronic non-payers. [PKS]

Criminal Liability

Repeated failure to pay child support can result in criminal charges under Estonian Penal Code. [PKS]

Duration of Obligation

Until 18
Standard obligation ends when child reaches legal age
Standard
Until 21
Extended if child continues full-time education
Extended
Indefinite
If adult child is unable to support themselves due to disability
Special cases

Modifying Support

Child support amounts can be changed when circumstances significantly change:

  • • Increase: When child's needs grow or payer's income increases
  • • Decrease: When payer loses job, becomes ill, or has new dependents
  • • How to modify: By agreement or by filing a modification petition with the court
  • • When effective: Modification takes effect from the court decision date, not retroactively

Related Resources

Alimony Calculator
Calculate the estimated child support amount based on current rates.
Divorce Guide
Complete information about divorce procedures in Estonia.
Official Sources

Sources