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In brief
Section actions
Duration: Accord: 2–6 weeks; JAF: 4–12 months; ARIPA: 1–2 months
Cost: Free (CAF, ARIPA); lawyer 500–2 000 €
Possible online

Who this guide is for

Section actions
  • You if you are a custodial parent and do not receive support
  • You if you have to pay and want to know the amount
  • You if the other parent doesn't pay and you want a forced recovery

To be prepared in advance

Section actions
  • Income justifications for both parents (taxation notice, payroll)
  • Custody schedule (normal/alternate residence, number of days)
  • List of children's expenses (school, health, leisure, food)

Step-by-step procedure

Section actions
  1. 1Estimate the amount: use the simulator on the website of the Ministry of Justice or caf.fr (alimony simulator). The following are taken into account: net income of both, number of children, on-call time (alternate reduces the amount).
  2. 2Amicable agreement: If parents agree, enter the amount in a parental agreement. A lawyer or family mediator helps. JAF approval for official execution.
  3. 3JAF decision: in the absence of agreement — application to the court (see court-guard-judge mode). The JAF sets the amount according to the scale, duration, indexation.
  4. 4Recovery in the event of unpaid payments: the creditor parent may apply to: (1) the CAF for the Family Support Allowance (ASF) — 123,86 €/child/month (2025) if the defaulting parent ≥1 month or is unknown; (2) a seizure procedure — via a bailiff or PAJE (Direct Payment of Food Pension) with the debtor's employer; (3) the Food Pension Tax Recovery Agency (ARIPA) — free of charge, up to 100 % of the amount.
  5. 5ARIPA: drop off on caf.fr or by phone. ARIPA automatically seizes the employer of the debtor, blocks the accounts, retains tax refunds. Free.
  6. 6PAJE (Direct payment): direct deduction from the debtor's salary — via the CAF or a bailiff. Applied after 1 months of unpaid.
  7. 7Change in amount: in the event of a change in circumstances (loss of employment, new child, modified custody) — new application to the JAF. Don't reduce it alone.
  8. 8End of payment: when the child becomes self-sufficient (usually 18 years old and works, or 25 years if student without financial autonomy). The JAF can extend.
  9. 9Tax: maintenance is deductible for the parent who pays it (up to €6,674/child/year, without proof, or the actual amount with proof). Reported as income for the parent who receives it.

Common mistakes

Section actions
  • Do not use the simulator: the amount may be significantly higher than your estimate.
  • Counting on a verbal arrangement — impossible to execute.
  • Do not apply to the CAF in case of unpaid payment — you lose the ASF (- €120/child/month).
  • Reduce or stop payment alone in the event of a change — a decision of the JAF is necessary.
  • Do not index the pension (usually on the cost of living) — the real value is eroded.

Official sources

Section actions
Show sources in this section

Useful links

Section actions
Custody and parental authorityCAF: family allowancesFamily Section

Important remark

Support is governed by the Civil Code (Articles 371-2, 373-2-2). Indicative information; for your case, consult a lawyer.

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