Contents
- The minimum maintenance for one child is one quarter of the minimum wage and increases automatically with it (Art. 142(2) of the Family Code).
- The court sets the specific amount according to the child's needs and the parent's means.
- Maintenance does not stop at 18. An adult child in full-time education is maintained until 20 for secondary and 25 for higher education (Art. 144 of the Family Code).
- A former spouse not at fault who cannot support themselves may receive maintenance for up to three years after the divorce (Art. 145 of the Family Code).
From 1 January 2025, the statutory minimum child maintenance is BGN 269.25, one quarter of the new minimum wage of BGN 1,077. In 2024 the minimum was BGN 233.25, based on a minimum wage of BGN 933. These amounts are a starting point. The court, or an agreement between the parents, may set higher maintenance where the child's needs or the parents' income justify it.
1. Why One Quarter of the Minimum Wage?
The law is succinct.
“The minimum maintenance for one child is equal to one quarter of the minimum wage.” – Art. 142(2) of the Family Code
When the Council of Ministers raises the minimum wage, the minimum maintenance increases automatically. In practice, this means that the paying parent owes more from the following month, without the need for new proceedings. If payments fall behind, the adjustment is sought by an application to vary the maintenance.
2. How the Court Sets the Exact Amount
The court weighs the two factors set out in Art. 142(1) of the Family Code.
- The child's needs – education, extracurricular activities, medical treatment, transport
- The parent's means – current income, assets, liabilities
If one party proves special expenses, such as costly orthodontic treatment, the court will award higher maintenance. The reverse is also possible. In the event of sudden unemployment or illness, the paying parent may apply for a temporary reduction.
3. When Does Maintenance End?
It is a myth that payments stop at 18. Under Art. 144 of the Family Code, parents must maintain their adult children if they are in full-time education, until the age of 20 for secondary education and 25 for higher education.
4. Maintenance Between Former Spouses
Art. 145 of the Family Code provides for this possibility, but the conditions are strict. It is awarded to the spouse not at fault for the divorce who is objectively unable to support themselves, and for up to three years after the marriage ends (unless the parties agree a longer period and the court finds that this does not endanger the children). The right lapses upon remarriage.
5. Steps Towards an Amicable Settlement
- Negotiation or mediation. When the parents agree the amount and method of payment themselves, the child is spared lengthy proceedings.
- Agreement under Art. 51 of the Family Code. It sets out the amount, the due date (for example “by the 10th of each month”), the IBAN, indexation to the minimum wage and a penalty for late payment. The court approves the agreement in a divorce by mutual consent.
- Court judgment. In contested cases, the court awards maintenance and issues a writ of execution.
- Enforcement. In the event of non-payment, a private bailiff garnishes salaries and bank accounts, and statutory interest accrues on the amount due.
- Variation. A new minimum wage or a significant change in income or health are grounds for variation.
6. Developments in 2025
- Higher minimum – BGN 269.25 from 1 January, with an expected rise in claims for increased maintenance.
- Electronic garnishment – data exchange between the National Revenue Agency, the National Social Security Institute and private bailiffs is already shortening the time from debt to garnishment.
- Cross-border recovery – Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 (Brussels IIb) makes it easier to enforce a Bulgarian maintenance judgment throughout the EU.
7. A Practical Perspective
Our team recommends that all maintenance be indexed to the minimum wage in the agreement itself, so that increases apply without a new dispute. Keeping bank statements and invoices for expenses is the most reliable way to prove needs and means if the matter returns to court.
Maintenance after divorce is the financial bridge that binds the parents and protects the child. When it is built with legal clarity and maintained in good time, everyone can cross it without disruption.
If you need assistance with setting, appealing or enforcing maintenance, our civil law team is here to help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum child maintenance?
One quarter of the national minimum wage. When the minimum wage increases, the minimum maintenance increases automatically, without new proceedings. In 2026 it is EUR 155.05.
Until what age is maintenance payable?
Until the child reaches majority, and if the child is in full-time education, until 20 for secondary and 25 for higher education (Art. 144 of the Family Code).
Can maintenance be reduced or increased?
Yes. A change in the minimum wage, in the parent's income or health, or in the child's needs is a ground for the court to vary the maintenance.
What should I do if the other parent does not pay?
On the basis of the court judgment or the approved agreement, obtain a writ of execution and instruct a bailiff, who can garnish salaries and bank accounts. Statutory interest accrues on the amount due.
