The Link Between Child Maintenance and Contact

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to draw a comparison between some European legal systems according to the criterion of (non-)linking of child maintenance and contact between the child and the non-resident parent. After a brief glance at the regulation of contact concerning children and child maintenance, as well as at the links or lack of links between them in a chosen legal system, various similarities and differences will be identified. Then, consideration will be given to the latest comparative research in the areas of psychology and sociology aimed at providing evidence of a firm bond between fulfilling the duty of child maintenance and exercising contact between the child and the non-resident parent. In that regard, this chapter asks whether or not the bond between child maintenance and the exercise of contact when regulating contact, alternative residence or child maintenance should be neglected. The final answer will be based on the sociological research findings.