How much child support in 2026? Costs, evidence, and child support calculator

The question “how much child support?” is asked very often. It is asked by a parent who wants to file a statement of claim for child support. It is asked by a person who already has a court ruling but the child’s expenses have increased. It is also asked by a parent who fears an excessively high claim from the other party and wants to know what to realistically expect in court.

The problem is that there is no simple answer to this question. There is no official table stating that a child aged 5 is entitled to a specific amount, and a child aged 15 to another specific amount. Child support is not determined “automatically.” The court looks at the specific family, the specific child, the specific costs, and the specific financial capabilities of the parents.

In practice, this means that child support in 2026 may amount to several hundred zlotys, but it may also be several thousand zlotys per month. Everything depends on the justified needs of the child and the earning and financial capabilities of the parent obliged to pay support. These two elements are the most important in child support cases.

The legal basis can be found in the Family and Guardianship Code. Article 135 states that the scope of child support depends on the justified needs of the entitled person and the earning and financial capabilities of the obliged person. The current text of the Family and Guardianship Code is available in the ISAP system.

This sentence sounds brief, but in practice it encompasses the entire child support case. Because the court does not only ask: “how much does the child cost?” It also asks: “are these costs justified?”, “who actually provides care?”, “how much can the parents earn?”, “what was the child’s previous standard of living?” and “are the presented expenses proven?”.

Therefore, a well-prepared child support case does not start with entering a random amount in the statement of claim, but with calmly calculating the child’s maintenance costs.

Why is there no fixed amount of child support?

Many people search Google for simple answers:

• how much child support for one child?
• how much child support for a child with earnings of 5000 PLN?
• how much child support for a child in 2026?
• what is the minimum amount of child support?
• how to calculate child support?

This is natural. Everyone wants a point of reference. The problem is that the court does not operate like a salary calculator. It does not take only the parent’s salary and calculate a percentage. Nor does the rule apply that child support always equals half of the child’s costs.

The amount of child support depends on several factors at once.

First, the child’s needs matter. An infant has different costs, a preschool child different ones, a primary school pupil different ones, and a teenager commuting to school, attending tutoring, orthodontic treatment, or sports activities different ones.

Second, the parent’s capabilities matter. And here is an important point: the court does not always look solely at how much the parent currently earns “on paper.” In child support cases, earning and financial capabilities matter. That means not only the actual salary, but also qualifications, experience, health condition, assets, lifestyle, and whether the parent realistically uses their capabilities.

Third, personal care for the child matters. If one parent lives with the child, organizes school, doctors, shopping, cooking, transport, activities, and daily care, their contribution is not limited to money. Family law also takes into account personal efforts to maintain and raise the child.

Fourth, evidence matters. One can claim that the child costs 3500 PLN monthly, but must be able to prove it. Receipts, invoices, transfer confirmations, contracts, medical certificates, bills for additional activities – all these may be relevant.

Therefore, two child support cases may look similar at first glance but end with completely different amounts.

What does the question “how much child support?” really mean?

When a parent asks how much child support they can obtain, they are actually asking three things.

First: what are the monthly costs of maintaining the child.

Second: what part of these costs should be borne by the other parent.

Third: whether the court will consider the presented costs and requested amount reasonable.

The example is simple. If the monthly cost of maintaining the child is 3000 PLN, it does not automatically mean that the other parent must pay 1500 PLN. It may be so, but it does not have to be. If one parent provides daily care and the other rarely sees the child and earns significantly more, child support may be higher than half the costs. If the parents share care very evenly and have similar incomes, the situation may look different.

That is why a child support calculator is helpful but should not be treated as a verdict. A good calculator organizes expenses and helps to see the monthly cost of maintaining the child. However, it does not replace the court’s assessment, which also takes into account the parents’ situation, care, evidence, and specific circumstances of the case.

In 2026, the topic of child support calculators is particularly popular because parents increasingly want a concrete breakdown of costs before filing a claim or a request for security. Family law firms provide tools to calculate child maintenance costs, and such breakdowns can help organize expenses and prepare material for the case.

On the Syndykat Prawniczy website, it is worth using the child support calculator at this point. Not to “guess the verdict,” but to gather data in one place. This is very practical because many people only see how much daily child maintenance really costs after listing the expenses.

Two things the court considers

In child support cases, two groups of arguments are the most important:

• justified needs of the child
• earning and financial capabilities of the parent

It sounds simple, but in practice each of these groups requires thorough preparation.

Justified needs of the child

Justified needs are not only the biological minimum. It is not only food, clothing, and shelter. The child has the right to development, education, treatment, rest, social contacts, and a standard of living corresponding to the parents’ situation.

Child costs may include, among others:

• food
• clothing and shoes
• hygiene products
• medications and treatment
• private visits, if justified
• school, kindergarten, nursery
• textbooks and educational materials
• tutoring
• extracurricular activities
• transport
• phone
• a portion of housing costs
• holidays and breaks
• culture, sports, hobbies
• insurance
• equipment needed for learning

The point is not to list everything that comes to mind in the statement of claim. The point is to reliably show how much a child costs in a normal month. The biggest mistake is entering amounts "by guesswork." The second mistake is underestimating costs because the parent thinks the court will not recognize everything anyway. The third mistake is inflating costs without evidence.

It is best to prepare a monthly cost summary and divide it into categories. Then the court sees that the requested amount is not random.

Earning and financial capacity of the parent

The other party is the parent who has to pay child support. Here, the word "capacity" is very important.

If the parent officially earns little but has high qualifications, leads an expensive lifestyle, hides income, or deliberately does not use their professional opportunities, the court may look beyond just the current salary. Jurisprudence and family practice emphasize that earning capacity is not always the same as the actual declared income.

This is crucial in cases where the parent says: "I cannot afford it," but at the same time:

• works below qualifications without a clear reason
• receives part of the money outside official salary
• runs a business and shows minimal income
• has assets, a car, real estate, or a high standard of living
• deliberately limits work to reduce child support

Of course, each case requires reasonableness. Not every lower income means hiding money. Sometimes the parent is genuinely ill, lost their job, or has a difficult situation. But in child support cases, the court does not rely solely on declarations. The entire situation counts.

Are there "standard" child support amounts in 2026?

Various child support ranges can be found online. Sometimes it is said that the most frequently awarded support for one child is around 1000-1500 PLN per month, but such values should be treated only as indicative, not as a rule. Dziennik Gazeta Prawna in current 2026 materials describes such practical ranges while indicating that the final amount depends on the specific case.

This means it is not worth asking only: "how much do courts award now?" It is better to ask:

• how much does my child cost?
• which costs can I prove?
• what are the possibilities of the other parent?
• does the other parent realistically participate in care?
• do I need child support security during the case?
• does the current child support amount still correspond to the child's costs?

For one child, 1000 PLN may be too low. For another, given different parental situations and lower costs, it may be a realistic amount. Therefore, mechanically comparing oneself to friends or internet entries often leads to wrong conclusions.

Child support in 2026 and announced changes

The topic of child support in 2026 is additionally hot because announcements of changes in family law are emerging. Legal media describe, among others, the concept of a child support payment order, faster enforcement of support, indexation, and simplification of some procedures.

However, this does not mean a parent should wait to act. If the child needs money now and the other parent does not pay or pays too little, it is worth preparing the case based on current regulations. Announcements of changes may be important, but the daily costs of the child do not wait for reform.

In practice, a parent who wants to obtain child support should already:

• calculate the child's costs
• gather documents and payment confirmations
• prepare a monthly expense summary
• determine the other parent's capabilities
• consider filing a child support claim or a security request
• use a child support calculator as a tool to organize data

A well-prepared child support case does not consist of entering a high amount and waiting to see what the court will do. It involves presenting a logical, documented picture: this is how much the child costs, these are their needs, this is what the other parent can pay, and therefore the requested amount is justified.

Can a child support calculator help in the case?

Yes, but its role must be well understood.

A child support calculator does not issue a judgment. It does not replace the court. It does not guarantee that the court will award the exact calculated amount. However, it can help with something very important – organizing the costs.

Parents often remember large expenses such as school, clothing, or doctors, but forget about small costs that make a big difference over a month. Hygiene products, cosmetics, tickets, fuel, friends’ birthdays, school fees, educational apps, snacks, seasonal medicines, shoe replacement, hairdresser, extracurricular activities – individually these are sometimes small amounts, but together they can constitute a significant part of the child’s maintenance costs.

A good child maintenance cost calculator helps to calmly go through these categories. This way, the parent does not act chaotically but prepares a summary that can be a starting point for a statement of claim, a conversation with a lawyer, or negotiations with the other parent.

This is its greatest value. A child support calculator does not “win the case,” but helps to prepare for it more sensibly.

The most important initial conclusion

If you want to know how much child support you can obtain in 2026, do not start by asking about the average. Start by calculating the real costs of the child.

Only then check:

• which costs are fixed
• which are seasonal
• which are one-time but recurring
• which can be documented
• which arise from the child’s health, education, or special needs
• what the other parent’s capabilities are
• what the actual care arrangement for the child looks like

In child support cases, very often the winner is not the parent who enters the highest amount in the claim, but the one who can calmly show where that amount comes from. Child support should result from the child’s specific needs, the real costs of their maintenance, and the parents’ capabilities. The better prepared the expense summary, the easier it is to discuss child support – both during negotiations and before the court.

How to calculate child maintenance costs for child support?

The most common mistake in child support cases is that the parent enters an amount in the claim but cannot properly justify it. Sometimes the amount is even reasonable, but the breakdown is missing. The court then sees a general demand but does not see what it is based on.

Therefore, before filing a child support claim, responding to a claim, or applying for an increase in child support, it is worth preparing a simple summary of the child’s maintenance costs. It does not have to be an accounting document. It should be clear, logical, and consistent with how the child’s life really looks.

The simplest way is to make a table with categories of expenses. Next to each category, enter the monthly amount and indicate what evidence you have: invoices, receipts, payment confirmations, contracts, certificates, payment history, or other documents. Such a table helps not only the court. It also helps you because often only after breaking down the expenses does it become clear that the real cost of maintaining the child is higher than initially thought.

Child support is not about artificially inflating costs. It is about not omitting them. The child does not cost only when you buy shoes or pay for school. The child costs daily – in food, housing, medicines, transport, laundry, hygiene products, activities, small fees, and things that individually seem insignificant but make a big difference monthly.

Food costs

Food is one of the basic items in child support cases but is very often entered too generally. The parent writes “food – 800 PLN” or “meals – 1000 PLN” but cannot explain where this amount comes from.

In practice, it is worth calculating food realistically. Different costs apply to a small child, a teenager, a child with allergies, an elimination diet, food intolerance, or one who trains intensively in sports.

Food costs may include, among others:

• daily meals at home
• second breakfast for school
• school or kindergarten lunches
• snacks
• drinks
• infant formula, if applicable
• specialized products for allergies or diet
• food during school trips, training, or activities

You do not have to collect every supermarket receipt for the whole year, but it is good to have at least an approximate confirmation of expenses. You can keep receipts for a few weeks, check purchase history in the store app, or card payments. If the child uses school or kindergarten meals, it is worth having payment confirmations.

Regarding food, the court usually does not expect mathematical precision to the last zloty. It expects reasonableness. The amount should correspond to the child’s age, family situation, and price realities.

Clothing and shoes

Clothing and shoes are another category that many parents underestimate. The child grows, changes sizes, wears out clothes, and needs seasonal clothing and footwear for different conditions.

This category may include:

• everyday clothing
• underwear
• jackets
• summer and winter shoes
• sportswear
• PE outfit
• formal clothes for ceremonies
• hats, gloves, scarves
• backpack, if considered part of school equipment
• replacement of damaged or too small items

It is best not to list this category as one large monthly amount if purchases are seasonal. A good method is to calculate the annual cost of clothes and shoes, then divide it by 12 months.

Example: if you spend about 3600 PLN per year on your child's clothes and shoes, the monthly cost is 300 PLN. This is clearer for the court than entering a random amount without explanation.

In maintenance cases, you can account not only for costs incurred monthly but also those occurring several times a year. It is important to average them reasonably.

Housing and household expenses

Very often a parent forgets that the child also generates part of the housing costs. It is not about the other parent paying the entire rent or mortgage. It is about the child living in the premises, using electricity, water, heating, internet, and daily equipment.

Housing costs may include part of the following expenses:

• rent
• administrative fees
• electricity
• gas
• heating
• water
• waste disposal
• internet
• cleaning supplies
• basic equipment of the child's room
• bedding, towels, desk, chair, lamp, mattress

Usually, a parent calculates the portion of housing costs attributable to the child. If the apartment is occupied by a parent and one child, a specific share of the child in the costs can be assumed, but this must be done reasonably. If more people live there, the child's share will differ.

There is no single rigid method. It is important not to omit this category because maintaining the child's place of residence is a real cost. The child needs a place to sleep, do homework, store belongings, and function normally.

It is advisable to prepare bills for the apartment, payment confirmations for rent, utilities, internet, and other fixed charges. Even if the court does not accept the entire amount indicated by the parent, the category itself is generally relevant.

Health, treatment, and medication

Health costs can significantly affect the amount of child support. This especially applies to children with chronic illnesses, allergies, posture defects, orthodontic problems, the need for therapy, rehabilitation, or regular specialist visits.

Health costs may include:

• regular medication
• seasonal medication
• private doctor visits
• dentist
• orthodontist
• ophthalmologist
• glasses or contact lenses
• physiotherapy
• rehabilitation
• psychological therapy
• speech therapy
• diagnostic tests
• non-reimbursed vaccinations
• medical equipment
• specialized cosmetics or care products

In this category, evidence is particularly important. It is advisable to have medical certificates, invoices, receipts, visit confirmations, specialist recommendations, and medical documentation. If the child requires therapy, it is worth demonstrating that this is not a parent's whim but a real necessity.

The court will consider whether the expense is justified. If the child has a recommendation for therapy, orthodontic treatment, or rehabilitation, the cost carries a completely different weight than when it is described only generally.

There is no need to wait until health problems become extreme. If the child regularly falls ill, has allergies, requires consultations, glasses, or dental treatment, it is worth including these costs.

Education, school, and kindergarten

Education is not only tuition fees. Even in public schools, costs arise that can be significant over the course of a year. Parents often forget about them because they pay in small portions.

Educational costs may include:

• kindergarten or nursery
• school fees
• parent committee fees
• textbooks
• workbooks
• notebooks
• stationery
• backpack
• pencil case
• printer or ink if the child uses it at home
• laptop or tablet if needed for learning
• school trips
• school trips
• school insurance
• remedial classes
• tutoring

Tutoring is a frequent point of dispute. The other parent may claim it is unnecessary. Therefore, it is advisable to have evidence that the child truly needs it: grades, teacher opinions, learning difficulties, exam preparation, or payment confirmations.

If the child attends a private school or kindergarten, the matter requires additional justification. The court may examine whether such an expense was previously accepted by the parents, whether it corresponds to the family's financial situation, and whether it is in the child's best interest.

For education, averaging annual costs works well. School supplies usually appear once a year, but maintenance payments are monthly. Therefore, it is advisable to spread the annual cost of supplies over 12 months.

Extracurricular activities and child development

Extracurricular activities are a normal part of many children's lives. They are not a luxury simply because they are not food or rent. A child has the right to develop interests, learn languages, practice sports, attend music, dance, swimming, or art classes if these correspond to their needs and the family's situation.

This category may include:

• English or another language
• sports training
• swimming pool
• dance
• music classes
• art classes
• robotics
• programming
• scouting
• therapeutic classes
• competitions and tournaments
• equipment needed for classes
• sportswear
• commuting to classes

It is worth showing that the classes were not included in the costs by chance. If the child has been attending them for a long time, enjoys them, benefits from them, or they are related to health, education, or social relationships, such a cost may be justified.

The most common mistake is listing a very large number of classes without evidence and without explanation. It is better to show fewer, but specific: name of the class, monthly cost, proof of payment, schedule.

Transport and commuting

Transport is often overlooked because the parent treats it as their own cost. However, transporting the child to school, kindergarten, doctor, classes, the other parent, or therapy is a real cost of maintaining the child.

Transport costs may include:

• monthly tickets
• single tickets
• fuel
• parking
• taxi rides in justified situations
• commuting to doctors
• commuting to additional classes
• commuting to school or kindergarten
• costs of transporting the child between parents, if significant

If the parent uses a car, it is not always easy to calculate the exact cost attributable to the child. However, reasonable estimates can be prepared: how many kilometers per month relate to the child, what are the fixed routes, how much does fuel cost.

If the child has a monthly ticket, the matter is simpler. Proof of purchase is sufficient.

Transport is particularly important when the child lives far from school, requires regular treatment, or the parents live in different towns.

Phone, internet, and daily needs

Older children often have a phone, internet access, educational apps, school communicators, and other tools necessary for learning and contact with parents. Not every such cost will automatically be fully recognized, but it is worth including if it is real and reasonable.

This category may include:

• phone subscription
• internet
• educational apps
• learning platforms
• basic electronic equipment
• phone or computer repairs
• school and electronic accessories

Here too, common sense must be maintained. Child support is not meant to finance every new gadget, but in 2026 a child often genuinely needs a phone and internet for daily functioning, learning, and safety.

Holidays, winter breaks, and recreation

A child's recreation can also be a maintenance cost. The child has the right to holidays, winter breaks, camps, day camps, school trips, or rest with a parent. Of course, everything depends on the family's situation and financial capabilities.

Recreation costs may include:

• school breaks
• holidays
• summer camp
• day camps
• sports camps
• school trips
• tickets to attractions
• travel costs
• additional insurance

It is best to spread the annual recreation cost over 12 months. If camps cost 2400 PLN per year, that is 200 PLN per month. This method of calculation is clearer than entering the entire amount as a cost for one month.

The other parent may claim that holidays are a luxury. They will not always be right. If the child previously went away, the parents had such a standard of living, and the expense is reasonable, recreation may be a justified cost.

Seasonal and one-time costs

In child support, problematic are costs that do not occur every month. Sometimes a parent does not include them, thinking: "it was only once." This is a mistake. Many costs are one-time in a given month but recur annually or periodically.

Examples:

• school starter kit
• winter jacket
• winter shoes
• glasses
• dental treatment
• summer camp
• school trip
• computer for learning
• desk
• mattress
• bicycle
• phone repair
• fees for exams or competitions

Such expenses can be averaged. If you know that once a year you buy school supplies for the child costing around 1200 PLN, the monthly cost is 100 PLN. If more expensive equipment must be purchased once every two years, this can also be reasonably spread out.

The court will not always consider every one-time purchase, but it is better to show the full picture than to pretend the child only costs when you pay a bill monthly.

What evidence should be collected in a child support case?

In child support cases, evidence is very important. Simply claiming that the child costs a certain amount may not suffice. The better the documents are prepared, the greater the chance the court will take the cost summary seriously.

Most often useful are:

• invoices
• receipts
• transfer confirmations
• contracts with the school, kindergarten, or nursery
• payment confirmations for extracurricular activities
• medical certificates
• medical documentation
• receipts for medicines
• bills for rent and utilities
• proof of textbook purchases
• confirmations of tutoring
• correspondence with the other parent
• payment history
• certificates from the school
• specialist opinions

The goal is not to bring a bag of receipts to court without order. It is better to prepare a table and group evidence by category. Then everything is clear.

Example:

• education - attachments 1-5
• health - attachments 6-12
• extracurricular activities - attachments 13-18
• housing - attachments 19-22
• clothing and footwear - attachments 23-30

Such organization makes a big difference. It shows that the claim is not random.

Are receipts enough?

Receipts can help but are not always ideal evidence. The problem with receipts is that they often do not show who exactly made the purchase and for whom. Nevertheless, they can be useful, especially for daily purchases, clothing, medicines, or school supplies.

Better are named invoices, transfer confirmations, and documents with the service name. If you pay for tutoring, therapy, classes, or kindergarten by bank transfer, it is good to describe transfers clearly, for example:

• math tutoring - Jan - May 2026
• football classes - June 2026
• orthodontist - check-up visit
• school lunch - May 2026

Such descriptions help later to organize the evidentiary material.

Can costs be entered without receipts?

They can, but you must be prepared that the other party may challenge them. Not every cost can be proven by invoice. Food, hygiene products, some clothing, or daily small expenses are often shown as estimates. It is important that the estimate is reasonable.

If you enter 1200 PLN monthly for feeding a teenager, it is good to have at least partial proof of purchases. If you enter 400 PLN for clothing, show sample purchases and explain that the cost is averaged over the year.

The court assesses the entirety. You do not need proof for every single item, but you must be able to convince that the summary is true and logical.

What do parents most often fail to include?

In practice, many child support summaries are underestimated because the parent only remembers the largest expenses. Meanwhile, a child's daily life consists of many small costs.

The most commonly omitted are:

• a portion of housing costs
• hygiene products
• cosmetics
• hairdresser
• seasonal medication
• transport
• school starter kit
• insurance
• birthday presents for friends
• class fees
• trips
• phone
• internet
• sports equipment
• repairs of the child's belongings
• winter and summer holidays
• care costs during illness or days off

Not every one of these costs will be large. But together, they can increase the real monthly cost of maintaining a child by several hundred zlotys.

That is why a child support calculator can be so helpful. It guides through cost categories and forces reflection on what normally goes unnoticed.

How to prepare a summary of the child's costs?

The best summary is simple. It should be understandable to a person unfamiliar with your family life.

You can prepare it in the following structure:

• food - monthly amount
• housing and utilities - portion attributable to the child
• clothing and footwear - monthly average
• education - monthly average
• health - monthly average
• extracurricular activities - monthly amount
• transport - monthly amount
• recreation - monthly average
• phone and internet - monthly amount
• other justified costs - monthly amount

For each item, it is worth adding a brief explanation. There is no need to write an essay. It is enough to indicate what the expense concerns and its basis.

Example:

"Extracurricular activities - PLN 320 monthly. The child attends English classes twice a week. Cost confirmed by bank transfers."

Or:

"Orthodontic treatment - average PLN 250 monthly. Costs include check-ups and orthodontic appliance. Payment confirmations attached."

This form is concrete and credible.

Is it necessary to have all costs calculated perfectly?

No. A child support case does not require accounting perfection. It requires reliability.

If you do not have all receipts from the last year, it does not mean you cannot claim child support. You can prepare a summary based on current costs, bills, transfers, and reasonable estimates. However, it is advisable to start collecting evidence as soon as possible.

It is best to save documents related to the child for several weeks or months. You can create a folder on your phone, a folder on your computer, or a binder. The important thing is not to search for everything at the last moment before the hearing.

Why is the amount stated in the claim not enough?

In a child support claim, you can state the requested amount, but the court will want to know why exactly that amount is needed. If a parent demands PLN 2500 in child support, they should show that:

• the child has specific monthly costs
• the costs are justified
• the other parent has the means to participate in bearing them
• The parent caring for the child also incurs costs or makes personal efforts
• The requested amount corresponds to the situation of the child and the parents

Without this, the case may boil down to a dispute over generalities. One parent will say: "the child costs a lot." The other will say: "that's an exaggeration." The court will have to decide whom to believe. The more specifics, the better.

Is it worth using a child support calculator before filing a claim?

Yes, especially before filing a claim or a motion to increase child support. The child support calculator helps organize costs into categories that are easy to forget. This way, the parent does not have to start from scratch.

However, it is important to remember that the calculator is an auxiliary tool. The result is not a judgment. It is rather a starting point for a conversation with a lawyer, preparing a claim, or negotiating with the other parent.

It is best to treat the calculator as the first step in organizing the case:

• you enter the costs
• you see the monthly total
• you check which expenses you can prove
• you see what is missing
• you prepare documents
• you consult on what amount of child support is realistic

This is exactly how the child support calculator can genuinely help. Not because it "calculates child support for the court," but because it helps prepare the case more wisely.

How not to overstate costs?

In child support cases, two extremes must be avoided. The first is understating costs because the parent fears the court will see them as demanding. The second is inflating expenses without evidence because the parent wants to obtain the highest possible amount.

The best strategy is accuracy. Enter costs that truly relate to the child. If something is more expensive, explain why. If the cost is seasonal, average it out. If the expense is unusual, provide documents.

The court does not expect the child to be maintained at an absolute minimum. But the court may challenge expenses that appear artificial, unrelated to the child's needs, or inconsistent with the family's situation.

A good cost summary should be such that the parent can confidently say: "yes, these are the real costs of my child and I can show where they come from."

What if the other parent disputes all expenses?

This is common. In child support cases, the other parent may claim that costs are inflated, unnecessary, or unproven. They may also say that the child "does not cost that much."

Therefore, it is not worth basing the case solely on a general description. Evidence and logical argumentation are necessary.

If the other parent disputes tutoring costs, you can show grades, a teacher’s opinion, transfer confirmations, and a schedule of lessons. If they dispute medical treatment, you can show medical documentation. If they dispute part of the housing costs, you can show bills and the method of calculating the child's share.

It is not about fighting over every receipt. It is about showing that the cost summary is not a fabrication but reflects the daily maintenance of the child.

Should child support cover half of the child's costs?

Not always. This is one of the biggest myths. Many people think that if a child costs 3000 PLN, child support should be 1500 PLN. Sometimes this may be the case, but it is not an automatic rule.

The court considers not only costs but also the parents' situation and personal care of the child. If one parent provides most of the daily care, their contribution to the child's maintenance is not only financial. It may be that the other parent should bear a larger share of the financial costs.

On the other hand, if the parents share care very broadly, have similar incomes, and both bear some costs directly, child support may look different.

Therefore, in a child support case, it is not enough to calculate the child's costs. One must also answer how these costs should be divided between the parents.

Example of a simple cost calculation

Assume the child's monthly costs are as follows:

• food - 900 PLN
• housing and utilities - 500 PLN
• clothing and shoes - 300 PLN
• school and education - 250 PLN
• extra activities - 350 PLN
• health and medication - 200 PLN
• transport - 200 PLN
• averaged recreation - 250 PLN
• phone and internet - 80 PLN
• other daily needs - 170 PLN

This totals 3200 PLN per month.

This still does not automatically mean that child support should amount to 1600 PLN. It is necessary to verify who has custody, what the parents' incomes are, who directly bears which costs, and what the obligated parent's capabilities are.

However, such a table provides a starting point. Without it, discussions about child support often turn into disputes based on feelings.

Why is it worth preparing costs before consulting a lawyer?

If you come to a lawyer with just the question "how much child support can I get?", the lawyer will first have to establish the facts. If you have prepared a cost breakdown, the consultation is much more concrete.

The lawyer can then assess:

• which costs are well documented
• which should be better described
• which may be disputed
• what additional evidence to gather
• whether the requested amount of child support is realistic
• whether it is worth filing a motion for security measures
• whether there are grounds for increasing child support
• how to respond to the other parent's arguments

This saves time and increases the chance that the case will be properly prepared from the start.

Summary of child maintenance costs

Child maintenance costs are the foundation of a child support case. It is impossible to properly answer the question of how much child support can be obtained without verifying how much the child's daily life actually costs.

The most important thing is not to limit oneself to obvious expenses. Child support covers not only food and clothing but also housing, education, health, transport, development, recreation, and other justified needs of the child.

A good cost breakdown should be:

• specific
• divided into categories
• as well documented as possible
• reasonable
• consistent with the child's real life
• prepared in a manner clear to the court

The better the costs are prepared, the stronger the position in discussions, negotiations, and court proceedings.

Earning capacity of the parent - why salary alone is not everything

In child support cases, it is very easy to focus only on the child's costs. This is of course important, but it is only half the matter. The other half is the capabilities of the parent who is to pay child support.

The law does not state that child support depends solely on the current salary. The provision refers to the earning and asset capabilities of the obligated person. This is an important distinction. Article 135 of the Family and Guardianship Code indicates that the scope of child support depends on the justified needs of the child as well as the earning and asset capabilities of the obligated parent. The official text of the Family and Guardianship Code is available in ISAP.

In practice, this means that the court may look beyond just the income certificate. It matters not only how much the parent currently earns but also how much they can realistically earn, their qualifications, experience, profession, health condition, assets, and lifestyle.

This is particularly relevant when the parent claims to earn very little, but the circumstances of the case suggest otherwise.

For example, the court may analyze:

• the parent's education
• professional experience
• previous earnings
• profession and qualifications
• health condition
• possibility of taking up employment
• running a business
• property
• owned real estate
• cars
• cost of living
• standard of living
• employment history
• intentional limitation of income

If a parent has worked for years earning a good salary and suddenly before a child support case switches to a much lower income, the court may want to verify whether this is a genuine change in circumstances or merely an attempt to reduce child support. Similarly, if a parent formally reports low income but maintains a high standard of living.

Of course, not every job loss is suspicious. People get sick, lose employment, close businesses, face financial difficulties. The court should not automatically assume bad faith. However, in child support cases, the real picture of the situation matters, not just a single certificate.

Does the court consider net or gross income?

In practice, the most important factor is how much money the parent actually has at their disposal. Therefore, net income, i.e., the amount after deductions, is usually analyzed, but net salary alone does not always settle the matter.

If the parent receives bonuses, allowances, commissions, benefits, income from business activities, rent, additional contracts, or other sources, this can also be relevant. Child support is not calculated solely from one item on the pay slip.

In the case of business activity, the matter can be more complex. Income shown in accounting documents may be low, but this does not always mean a real lack of ability to pay. Sometimes the entrepreneur has costs, investments, and revenue fluctuations. However, sometimes the situation is such that the company operates, the parent maintains a good standard of living, and the declared income is very low. Then a broader picture must be presented to the court.

For business activity, the following may be useful:

• PIT tax returns for recent years
• revenue and expense ledger
• income statements
• accounting documents
• bank statements
• contracts with contractors
• information about company assets
• fixed costs
• invoices
• the parent's lifestyle
• expenses that demonstrate real capabilities

It is not always necessary to have all these documents immediately. But if the other party claims they have no money, while everyday life suggests otherwise, it is worth consulting a lawyer about what evidence can be presented and which documents to submit to the court.

What if a parent deliberately understates income?

This is a common problem in child support cases. One parent claims to earn minimally but at the same time:

• drives an expensive car
• travels regularly
• runs a business
• pays cash for expensive items
• lives in costly accommodation
• displays a high standard of living on social media
• works "off the books"
• transfers assets
• quits work without clear reason

In such a situation, it is not enough to write in the statement of claim: "the other parent hides income." This must be demonstrated. The court requires specifics.

Evidence may include, for example:

• printouts of job offers showing possible earnings in the parent's profession
• history of previous earnings
• photos or posts showing lifestyle
• information about business activity
• documents concerning property
• witness testimonies
• proof of expenses
• information about owned cars or real estate
• correspondence in which the parent admits to earning more

However, common sense must be exercised. The court will not rely on rumors. It is best to present concrete, organized, and case-related evidence.

Does an unemployed parent have to pay child support?

Yes, unemployment alone does not automatically mean no child support. If the parent is healthy, qualified, and able to work, the court may consider their earning potential, not just current unemployment.

The situation is different for a person who genuinely cannot work due to serious illness, disability, or other significant obstacles. It is also different for a person who simply does not want to work or chooses minimal income to pay less.

A parent of a child is obliged to contribute to the costs of the child's maintenance. The Ombudsman explains in informational materials that parents are required to provide child support for a child who is not yet able to support themselves, unless the income from the child's assets is sufficient for their maintenance and upbringing.

This means that the argument "I do not work, so I pay nothing" does not always work. The court will examine why the parent is not working and whether they have a real possibility of earning income.

Do child support payments depend on the income of both parents?

Yes. The court considers the situation of both parents, but this does not automatically mean splitting the costs equally.

If the child primarily lives with one parent, that parent often bears daily expenses and provides most of the personal care. This is also a contribution to the child's maintenance. The other parent may then be charged a larger share of the financial costs.

On the other hand, if both parents have similar incomes, share custody, and realistically incur similar expenses, child support may be determined differently.

The most important thing is that child support is not a punishment for one parent. It is intended to secure the child's needs. Therefore, the court looks at the child, their costs, care, and the parents' capabilities as a whole.

Personal care of the child also matters

In child support cases, money is important but not the only form of participation in the child's maintenance. A parent who cares for the child daily performs a huge amount of work that cannot be reduced merely to bills.

Daily care includes, among others:

• preparing meals
• laundry
• organizing school and kindergarten
• contact with teachers
• scheduling doctors' appointments
• monitoring medical treatment
• transporting to activities
• helping with homework
• organizing clothing and shopping
• care during illness
• maintaining daily routine
• responding to the child's emotional problems

If one parent performs most of these duties while the other limits themselves mainly to contact every other weekend, it cannot be said that both bear the burden of child maintenance equally. The first parent invests time, work, and constant responsibility.

The Family and Guardianship Code also contains the principle that fulfilling the child support obligation may consist wholly or partly of personal efforts to maintain or raise the child. This also follows from art. 135 of the Family and Guardianship Code.

This is especially important when the other parent says: "Since the child costs 3000 PLN, I will pay 1500 PLN and that’s it." Not always. If the other parent does not participate in daily care, the court may consider that their financial contribution should be higher.

Child support in shared custody cases

Shared custody complicates child support matters but does not automatically exclude them. Many people think that if the child lives alternately with each parent, there is no child support. This is not always true.

In shared custody cases, the court may consider:

• the time the child spends with each parent
• the income of both parents
• who bears higher fixed costs
• who pays for school, doctors, activities
• whether the parents have a similar standard of living
• whether the child has similar conditions with each parent
• whether one parent earns significantly more

If the parents have similar incomes, similar involvement in care, and share expenses similarly, child support may not be necessary or may be symbolic. But if one parent earns much more and the child is to have a similar standard of living in both homes, child support may still be justified.

Example: the child spends a similar amount of time with both parents, but one parent earns 4000 PLN and the other 18000 PLN. In such a situation, the absence of any settlement may lead to a significant difference in the child's standard of living between the two homes. The court may take this into account.

Shared custody is therefore not a magical way to avoid child support. It is a custody model that must be combined with the real costs and capabilities of the parents.

When does increasing child support make sense?

Child support set several years ago very often no longer reflects reality. The child grows, prices rise, new needs arise, school, medical treatment, activities, transportation, tutoring. It is normal that the amount that was sufficient a few years ago may now be too low.

Increasing child support may make sense when:

• the costs of maintaining the child have increased
• the child has started school
• tutoring has appeared
• the child requires medical treatment or therapy
• housing costs have increased
• prices of food and services have risen
• the other parent earns more than before
• the child has new, justified needs
• the previous amount was set a long time ago

A general statement that "everything has become more expensive" may be too weak. It is better to show specifics. For example: previously the child attended kindergarten, now attends school and has tutoring. Previously there was no orthodontic treatment, now there is. Previously the maintenance was 800 PLN, and the actual costs of the child have risen to 3000 PLN per month.

An increase in child support is not a new case "from scratch," but it is necessary to demonstrate a change in circumstances. The better the prepared comparison of old and new costs, the better.

Reduction of child support - when can it be requested?

The other side of the coin is the reduction of child support. The parent obliged to pay may want to reduce the support if their situation has genuinely worsened or the child's needs have changed.

Reduction of child support may be considered when:

• the parent has become seriously ill
• lost their job due to reasons beyond their control
• has permanent limitations in earning capacity
• the scope of childcare has changed
• the child has started to earn income independently
• some of the child's costs have ceased
• the parent now bears more direct costs
• there has been a significant change in family or financial situation

However, caution is required. The court will not reduce child support merely because the parent finds it inconvenient to pay or has other expenses. The child's needs are important, and the parent should primarily consider their obligation to the child.

If a parent wants to reduce child support, they should thoroughly document the change in their situation. Mere assertions usually will not suffice. Medical documents, contract termination notices, certificates, tax returns, business documents, official decisions, or other evidence may be necessary.

Securing child support during the case

Court proceedings take time. However, the child needs maintenance funds immediately, not only after a final judgment. Therefore, in child support cases, a motion for security is very important.

Securing child support means that the court may oblige the parent to pay a specified amount already during the proceedings. This is not a final judgment but a temporary arrangement.

In practice, a motion for security is crucial when:

• the other parent pays nothing
• pays irregularly
• pays too little
• the case may last several months
• the child's costs are high
• the parent caring for the child cannot finance everything alone

Courts emphasize that securing child support for children has a special character because it concerns the child's current needs. Judicial rulings stress that child support serves to secure the current maintenance of the entitled person, not just to settle past obligations. Sample rulings in child support cases can be found on public court rulings portals.

The motion for security should be specific. It must indicate the amount, the child's needs, costs, the parents' situation, and evidence. It should not be treated as an addendum written in one sentence. In many cases, the security is the most important element at the outset.

What if the parent pays voluntarily?

Voluntary payment of child support may be good but is not always sufficient. If the parent pays regularly, in a reasonable amount, and the parents can agree, court proceedings may not be necessary. The problem arises when payments are irregular, the amount is too low, or the other parent can stop paying at any time.

A court judgment or settlement provides greater security. If child support is awarded and the parent does not pay, the case can be referred to enforcement proceedings. With voluntary transfers without an enforcement title, the situation is more difficult.

It is also worth remembering to describe transfers precisely. Instead of writing "for the child" or "transfer," it is better to enter:

• child support for May 2026
• child support for the child - June 2026
• child support according to the settlement

This limits later disputes about whether a given payment was child support, a gift, a reimbursement of costs, or something else.

Can a parent pay with goods instead of money?

Sometimes a parent says: "I will not pay child support, but I will buy clothes for the child, take them shopping, pay for the phone." Such expenses can be useful, but they do not always replace child support.

If there is a court judgment ordering payment of a specific monthly amount, the parent should pay money according to the ruling. Independently buying things instead of making a transfer can lead to problems, as the other parent may still claim that child support has not been paid.

The situation may be different when parents have a clear agreement and share specific costs. But if the conflict is significant, it is better to avoid unclear settlements. Child support is meant to secure the child's daily maintenance, and the parent caring for the child must have funds for ongoing expenses.

Does the 800 plus benefit affect child support?

Family and social benefits often arise in child support disputes. Parents ask whether 800 plus reduces child support or if the other parent can say: "You receive the benefit, so I will pay less."

As a rule, benefits for the child should not replace the parent's child support obligation. Child support is a parent's duty towards the child, while public benefits have a different nature. In practice, courts may know the entire family situation, but a parent should not assume that merely receiving the benefit will automatically reduce child support.

This is important because the obligation to maintain the child rests primarily with the parents. State benefits are not intended to allow one parent to shift their obligation onto the system.

Child support and the obligated parent's new child

A common argument in child support cases is: "I have a new child, so I want to pay less." The birth of another child may be relevant but does not operate automatically. The court will consider the entire situation.

A parent has obligations towards all their children. A new child does not mean the previous child no longer has needs. On the other hand, the court may take into account that the parent has more dependents. The key is whether the change in circumstances is real, how income, costs, and needs of all children look.

There is no simple formula: new child = lower child support. Each case requires individual assessment.

Child support and the parent's loans and private debts

A parent obliged to pay child support often cites loans, installments, leasing, borrowings, or other obligations. Such circumstances may be presented in the case but will not always outweigh the child's needs.

The court may distinguish necessary obligations from those the parent voluntarily incurred, knowing they have a child to support. If someone bought an expensive car on installments and then claims they cannot afford child support, the court may view this critically.

The child support obligation has very high priority. The parent's private expenses should not lead to a situation where the child's basic and justified needs are unmet.

Child support and working abroad

If a parent works abroad, the case may be more difficult to prove, but this does not mean child support cannot be established. It is necessary to gather information about earnings, living costs, place of work, transfers, and standard of living.

When working abroad, it is worth determining:

• where the parent works
• in which industry
• what are typical earnings in that country and profession
• whether the parent sends money to Poland
• what assets they have
• how often they visit
• what standard of living they maintain

If the parent hides foreign income, the case may require additional evidence. It is advisable to act with a lawyer, as a simple certificate or party statement may not suffice.

Why must the parent's capabilities be described specifically?

Many child support claims are well prepared regarding the child's costs but poorly describe the other parent's situation. This is a mistake. The court must see not only the child's needs but also why the requested amount is realistically payable by the other parent.

If the other parent earns well, runs a business, has assets, or a high standard of living, it is worth describing this and supporting it with evidence. If their income is unknown, it is worth indicating what is known: profession, industry, previous earnings, lifestyle, possessions, sources of maintenance.

This is not about attacking the other parent. It is about showing the court the full picture. Child support should be tailored to the child and parents, not set in isolation.

How to combine the child's costs and the parent's capabilities?

A good justification for child support should combine both elements.

It is not enough to write:

"The child costs 3200 PLN monthly."

It is better to show:

"The child's monthly maintenance costs amount to approximately 3200 PLN. The mother provides daily care for the child, organizes school, medical treatment, extracurricular activities, and bears ongoing maintenance costs. The father works as a specialist in the IT industry, earning income that allows participation in the child's costs in the requested amount. Therefore, child support of X PLN per month is justified."

Of course, this is only a simplified example. In a real case, the argumentation must be adapted to the facts. But this is the point: child support does not result solely from the cost table or the parent's salary. It results from combining the child's needs, care, and the parents' capabilities.

Is it worth negotiating child support?

Yes, if there is room for it. A well-prepared cost summary can help not only in court but also in discussions with the other parent. Sometimes the other party does not realize how much the child really costs. Seeing the table and evidence makes it easier to accept a specific amount.

Negotiations make sense when:

• parents are able to communicate
• the other parent does not deny the child's needs
• there is a chance for regular payments
• a settlement can be drawn up
• the amount is realistic and secures the child

However, one must be cautious with verbal agreements. If the case is contentious, it is better to ensure formal protection: a court settlement, a settlement before a mediator approved by the court, or a judgment.

A child needs stability, not promises that may cease to be fulfilled after a few months.

When is legal assistance needed?

Not every child support case has to be complicated, but legal assistance is especially useful when:

• the other parent hides income
• runs a business
• works abroad
• disputes most costs
• the child has special needs
• security for maintenance is needed
• it concerns increasing or decreasing maintenance
• parents are in strong conflict
• the case is connected with divorce, custody, or domestic violence
• previous arrangements are not being fulfilled

A lawyer can help not only to draft the statement of claim. They can also assess what amount is realistic, what evidence should be gathered, how to describe the child's costs, how to demonstrate the other parent's capabilities, and how to prepare a motion for security measures.

In maintenance cases, details matter. One poorly described claim or lack of important evidence can weaken the case.

Key conclusions regarding the parent's capabilities

The amount of maintenance depends not only on the child's costs. Equally important are the capabilities of the parent obliged to pay. The court may consider actual earning capacity, not just the currently declared salary.

Therefore, in a maintenance case it is worth preparing:

• a summary of the child's costs
• evidence of expenses
• information about the other parent's income
• information about their qualifications
• evidence regarding assets and lifestyle
• a description of actual care provided to the child
• arguments concerning the division of costs between parents

Only after combining these elements can one reasonably answer how much child support is justified in a specific case.

Child support in 2026 – what to know before filing a claim?

In 2026, the basic principle in maintenance cases remains the same: the amount of maintenance depends on the child's needs and the parent's capabilities. It is not an automatic amount, not a percentage of salary, and not a fixed table for all children.

The most important thing is to prepare the case specifically. A parent seeking maintenance should show:

• how much the child actually costs
• which costs are fixed
• which costs are seasonal
• which costs arise from health, school, or special needs
• what the other parent’s capabilities are
• who actually provides daily care for the child
• why the requested amount is justified

The basis remains the Family and Guardianship Code. The official text of the act can be found in the ISAP system, that is the Internet System of Legal Acts maintained by the Sejm. Article 135 of the Family and Guardianship Code states that the scope of maintenance depends on the justified needs of the entitled person and the earning and property capabilities of the obligated party.isap.sejm.gov.pl)

This means that the court should not look only at the cost table. The table is important but not sufficient. The court also assesses whether the costs are reasonable, whether the child actually needs them, whether the other parent can bear them, and how the parents share custody.

Will there be changes in maintenance in 2026?

The topic of maintenance is particularly current in 2026 because the Ministry of Justice announced a broader package of changes in family law. In an official statement dated June 17, 2026, the ministry described a family law package concerning, among other things, the welfare of children, family matters, and maintenance.gov.pl)

However, one thing must be borne in mind. Announcements of changes are not the same as binding regulations. A parent who needs maintenance now should not delay action just because information about reform appears in the media. The daily costs of a child exist here and now: food, housing, school, medical care, clothing, transportation, and supervision.

If the other parent does not pay or pays too little, it is worth acting based on current regulations. One can prepare a statement of claim for maintenance, a motion for security, or a case for increasing maintenance if the previous amount is no longer sufficient.

Maintenance security – why is it so important?

A maintenance case can take time. Sometimes several months, sometimes longer. However, the child needs money immediately. Therefore, in maintenance cases, a motion for maintenance security is often filed.

Security means that the court may oblige the other parent to pay a specified amount during the proceedings. This is not yet a final judgment but can practically be the most important decision at the beginning of the case.

A motion for security makes sense especially when:

• the other parent pays nothing
• the other parent pays irregularly
• the amount paid is too low
• the parent caring for the child cannot bear the costs alone
• the child's costs are high
• the child requires treatment, therapy, tutoring, or special care
• the court case may take a long time

The motion for security should be specific. It is not enough to write: “I request maintenance security.” One must specify the amount, describe the child’s needs, show the costs, and attach evidence.

In practice, a well-prepared motion for security should include:

• the requested monthly amount
• a description of the child and their needs
• a summary of maintenance costs
• information about the parents’ situation
• evidence of expenses
• an argument why the money is needed immediately

If the parent already has a cost summary and documents prepared, it is much easier to file such a motion properly.

What to do if the other parent does not pay maintenance?

If maintenance is awarded by judgment or approved by settlement, and the other parent does not pay, the case can be referred for enforcement. In practice, this usually means filing a motion with the bailiff.

It is worth distinguishing two situations.

First situation: maintenance is not yet awarded. Then one must obtain a title, such as a judgment, court settlement, or security.

Second situation: maintenance is already awarded, but the parent does not pay. Then enforcement action can be taken.

Official information regarding actions against maintenance debtors is published by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. The ministry indicates, among other things, that when maintenance enforcement proceedings are conducted, the creditor’s competent authority may join the enforcement regarding benefits paid from the maintenance fund.gov.pl)

If enforcement is ineffective, in certain situations it is also possible to check the possibility of obtaining benefits from the maintenance fund. Templates of applications concerning benefits from the maintenance fund are published on government websites.gov.pl)

This does not mean that every person automatically receives benefits from the fund. Certain conditions must be met, and the rules may depend on the current benefit period. Therefore, in practice, it is worth checking current information at the municipal office or social welfare center competent for the place of residence of the entitled person.

Maintenance fund and maintenance from the parent

The maintenance fund does not exempt the parent from the obligation to pay maintenance. This is very important. If the state pays benefits to the entitled person, the maintenance debtor may still be obliged to reimburse the amounts.

In other words: the fund can help the child and the parent who does not receive maintenance, but it is not a gift for the debtor. The maintenance debt does not disappear just because the payment comes from the fund.

In practice, a parent who does not receive maintenance should consider several steps:

• check whether they have an enforceable title
• file a motion with the bailiff
• document non-payment
• check the possibility of benefits from the maintenance fund
• consider actions against the child support debtor
• consult whether there are grounds for further legal steps

The worst thing to do is to not react for a long time. Child support is a benefit for the child's current maintenance. If the other parent does not pay, delay in action often worsens the situation of the child and the parent who bears all the costs alone.

Can child support be increased in 2026?

Yes, if circumstances have changed. Most often it concerns an increase in the child's needs or an increase in the obligated parent's ability to pay.

An increase in child support may be justified when:

• the child is older and has greater needs
• the costs of food, clothing, school, and housing have increased
• tutoring has appeared
• the child requires medical treatment or therapy
• additional activities have been added
• transportation costs have increased
• the child has started a new stage of education
• the other parent earns more than before
• the previous amount was set many years ago

In a case to increase child support, one must demonstrate a change. It is not enough to write that "it is expensive." It is better to compare the previous situation with the current one.

Example:

• previously the child was in kindergarten, now in school
• previously there were no tutoring sessions, now there are
• previously there was no orthodontic treatment, now there is
• previously child support was 800 PLN, and the actual costs of the child have increased to 3000 PLN
• previously the other parent earned less, now they have been promoted or run a well-performing business

Increasing child support requires specifics. The better prepared the cost table and evidence, the greater the chance for a substantive discussion before the court.

Is it possible to reduce child support?

It is possible, but it is not enough to say that child support is too high. A parent who wants to reduce child support should demonstrate a significant change in their situation or a change in the child's needs.

Reduction of child support may be considered when:

• the parent has become seriously ill
• lost their job due to reasons beyond their control
• their earning capacity has actually decreased
• the child has started earning their own income
• the scope of childcare has changed
• some of the previous child costs have ceased
• there has been a significant change in financial circumstances

The argument "I have more personal expenses" does not work. The court will consider whether these expenses should actually limit the obligation towards the child. Private loans, leasing, new purchases, or voluntarily incurred obligations will not always be more important than the child's needs.

Evidence also matters in cases to reduce child support. Medical documents, certificates, PIT, contract termination, business documents, or other materials showing a real change in circumstances may be needed.

Common mistakes in child support cases

Child support cases often seem simple, but in practice it is easy to make mistakes. Some of them can reduce the chances of obtaining an appropriate amount.

Mistake 1: stating an amount without justification

Simply demanding child support in a specific amount is not enough. One must show where this amount comes from. Best through a breakdown of the child's costs.

Mistake 2: lack of evidence

Costs without evidence are easier to challenge. You do not need an invoice for every small item, but the more confirmations, the better.

Mistake 3: omitting housing costs

The child lives in a specific place and uses utilities, internet, heating, water, and equipment. Some of these costs may be included in the child's maintenance costs.

Mistake 4: counting only fixed expenses

Many costs are seasonal: school supplies, winter shoes, holidays, winter break, glasses, treatment, learning equipment. It is worth averaging them monthly.

Mistake 5: no request for security

If the child needs money immediately, it is worth considering securing child support during the process. Without this, the parent may wait for funds until the case is concluded.

Mistake 6: trusting verbal promises

If the other parent promises to pay but does so irregularly or there is no formal arrangement, the situation can be risky. A judgment or settlement provides greater security.

Error 7: Ignoring the other parent's financial capacity

It is not enough to describe the child's expenses. It is also necessary to show the other parent's financial capacity, especially if they hide income or report earnings lower than actual.

Error 8: Copying templates from the internet without customization

A statement of claim template can help, but every maintenance case is different. A ready-made form without facts, evidence, and strong arguments may be weak.

How does the child support calculator help prepare the case?

The child support calculator does not replace the court and does not guarantee a specific ruling. However, it can be very helpful at the case preparation stage.

The greatest value of the calculator lies in organizing expenses. The parent sees categories of costs and can calmly enter amounts that are easy to forget.

A good child support calculator helps gather, among others:

• food expenses
• housing costs
• clothing and footwear
• medical treatment
• education
• extracurricular activities
• transport
• recreation
• seasonal costs
• daily needs of the child

After completing the calculator, the parent has a starting point for further work. They can check which costs are documented, which evidence is missing, and whether the total monthly expenses are realistic.

This is especially useful before consulting a lawyer. Instead of starting with a general “I don’t know how much to request,” the parent can present a specific summary and ask what amount of child support makes sense in their case.

How to prepare for a consultation regarding child support?

Before the consultation, it is worth gathering the most important information and documents. It is not necessary to have everything perfect, but the better prepared the material, the more concrete the discussion.

It is advisable to prepare:

• current child maintenance costs
• bills and payment confirmations
• documents related to school, kindergarten, or nursery
• the child's medical documentation
• information about extracurricular activities
• data on parents’ income
• information about child care
• previous judgment or settlement if child support was already established
• correspondence with the other parent
• evidence of irregular payments if the issue is non-payment of child support

If the case concerns an increase in child support, it is also advisable to prepare the previous ruling and show what has changed since then.

If the case concerns the first claim for child support, the most important will be to demonstrate the child's current needs and the parents’ situation.

FAQ – most common questions about child support

How much child support can be obtained in 2026?

There is no fixed amount of child support. The amount depends on the justified needs of the child and the earning and financial capacity of the parent. In practice, monthly child expenses must be calculated, the parents’ situation checked, and evidence prepared.

Is there a minimum amount of child support?

There is no statutory minimum amount of child support. The court determines child support individually. The amount must correspond to the child's needs and the obligated parent's capacity.

Does the child support calculator show how much the court will award?

No. The child support calculator helps calculate the child's maintenance costs but does not replace the court. The calculator’s result can be a good starting point for preparing a claim, a motion for security, or a consultation with a lawyer.

Is child support always half of the child's expenses?

Not always. The court considers not only costs but also the parents’ capacities and personal care for the child. If one parent provides daily care and the other participates less in the child's life, child support may exceed half of the costs.

Can child support be requested immediately for the duration of the proceedings?

Yes. A motion for securing child support can be filed. If the court grants it, the other parent will have to pay a specified amount during the proceedings.

Can child support be increased?

Yes, if circumstances have changed. This usually concerns increased child maintenance costs, new needs, medical treatment, education, extracurricular activities, or an improvement in the other parent's financial situation.

Can child support be reduced?

Yes, but a significant change in circumstances must be demonstrated. This could be, for example, illness, permanent loss of earning capacity, or a change in the scope of child care. Mere unwillingness to pay is not sufficient.

What to do if the other parent does not pay maintenance?

If child support has been awarded, the case can be referred to a bailiff. In certain situations, it is also possible to check the possibility of obtaining benefits from the alimentary fund. Government websites also publish information about actions against child support debtors. (gov.pl)

Does the 800 plus benefit reduce child support?

Public benefits for a child should not automatically replace the parent's obligation to pay child support. Child support is a parental obligation towards the child, while benefits have a different nature.

Is child support due in cases of shared custody?

It may be due. Shared custody does not automatically exclude child support. The court may consider the time spent caring for the child, costs borne by the parents, income differences, and the child's standard of living in both homes.

Summary - how much child support in 2026?

It is not possible to honestly answer the question “how much child support in 2026?” without knowing the specific situation. There is no single table, rate, or amount suitable for every family.

However, the case can be well prepared. The most important steps are:

• calculate the actual costs of maintaining the child
• divide expenses into categories
• gather evidence
• check the other parent's capabilities
• consider personal care of the child
• consider a motion for security measures
• use a child support calculator as a tool to organize data
• consult the case if the amount of child support is disputed

Child support is not a gift to the parent caring for the child. It is money for the child: their food, housing, schooling, medical care, clothing, development, and daily needs. Therefore, it is worth approaching the matter calmly, concretely, and with documentation.

If you do not know how to calculate child support or how to prepare a statement of claim, a good first step is to gather costs in a child support calculator. Then you can assess what amount is realistic, what evidence to attach, and whether a statement of claim, security measure, or a case to increase child support is needed.

In child support cases, specifics matter. The better you demonstrate the child's needs and the other parent's capabilities, the stronger your position will be in negotiations, settlements, or before the court.