Poroshenko enacts law on increased responsibility for non-payment of child support and alimony

The document is aimed at ensuring the proper implementation of decisions on recovery of child support and alimony. It is expected to reduce related arrears and will guarantee the proper maintenance of relevant persons.

Read alsoDomestic violence now criminal offense in UkraineThe law amends the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, the Family Code of Ukraine, the Civil Procedure Code of Ukraine, the laws of Ukraine "On Road Traffic," "On the Entry/Exit Procedure for Ukrainian Citizens," "On the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine," "On Court Fees," "On the National Police," and "On Enforcement Proceedings," as well as improves the procedure for recovery of child support and alimony.

The law introduces new means of compulsory execution of decisions with regard to debtors with delayed payment of child support and alimony exceeding six months' amount. In particular, the document establishes temporary restrictions for such persons in the right to travel abroad, drive vehicles, use firearms and pneumatic weapons, as well as hunt.

In addition, the law envisages a new type of administrative penalty, namely socially useful work due to be performed by a person who has committed an administrative offence. The type of such works is due to be decided by relevant local authorities.

The No. 7277 law was adopted by the Ukrainian parliament on December 7, 2017.