Child support

Additional child support is higher than minimum/basic child support.

Parents are free to negotiate additional child support. Parents who are in agreement on increasing the child support can make a new child support agreement and have it confirmed by the District Commissioner.

A parent may request that the District Commissioner rule on increased child support if it is considered that the party making child support payments has the financial means. The District Commissioner shall determine such matters, taking into consideration the needs of the child, the financial situation of both parents and their ability to earn income.

Conditions to change child support

The District Commissioner can, by a ruling, change a previous child support decision if a reasoned request is made by a parent.

Conditions for amending an existing contract or court settlement

• The circumstances have changed significantly.

• A contract or court settlement is contrary to the needs of a child.

• The agreement or court settlement is not in accordance with the financial position of the parents.

Conditions for amending an existing ruling with a judgment on child maintenance

• It is demonstrated that a change has occurred in circumstances of either the parent or the child.

Generally, a contract, ruling or court judgment will not be changed back in time, but the change shall be based on the date of the claim or a later date.

The process

When the District Commissioner has received a request for additional child support, it is made known to the other parent. If there is no dispute over the request, a new child support agreement is made, which the District Commissioner then confirms.

In disputes, the party making child support payments can submit a written observation on their financial and social position and personal circumstances. A meeting with the District Commissioner may be requested to explain the personal circumstances. The District Commissioner will rule on the case, and the ruling is sent to both parties Ísland.is inbox.

Determination of the amount

The amount of increased child support is determined with reference to the needs of the child and the financial situation and other circumstances of both parents.

What has the impact

• The income of both parents, see set guidelines

• Parents ability to earn income, e.g. a parents reduced eligibility for employment in connection with the care of a child or due to illness of a parent or child.

• Increased expenditure due to a child's special needs or illness

• If the party making child support payments has other children to provide for.

• Whether the access/visitation between the child and the parent exceeds the minimum rights

• Whether a parent with joint custody has provided additional support for the child in excess of the current agreement on child support

Things that generally do not have an impact

• Stepchildren of the parties in question.

• The assets and liabilities of the party paying child support normally have little effect in determining the amount of child support, but are most likely to be considered if the assets or liabilities significantly exceed what is normally expected or if unavoidable liabilities have been incurred

Payment of increased child support

Parents themselves are responsible for collecting the additional child support. Neither TR nor the District Commissioner in North-west Iceland will be involved in the intermediation or collection of those payments.

Appeal against ruling

It is possible to make an appeal to the Ministry of Justice within two months from the date of the ruling.