Child support in China: what the paying parent owes
Child support is about making sure your child's needs are met after the divorce, whoever they live with. The rules on child support in China are relatively clear, but applying them to self-employed, irregular or foreign income is where disputes arise. This page explains how child support is calculated as of 2026, how long it lasts, and what to do if it is not paid.
Want a quick estimate? Use our free child support calculator to see a guideline range based on the paying parent's income and the number of children.
Who pays and why
After divorce, the parent without direct custody bears part or all of the child's living, education and medical expenses (Civil Code Art. 1085). The amount and duration are set by agreement or, if the parents cannot agree, by the court. An agreement does not stop the child from later asking for more when reasonably needed.
How child support is calculated
The Supreme People's Court's Interpretation I on Marriage and Family gives the main guideline:
- Fixed income: generally 20% to 30% of the paying parent's monthly total income for one child.
- Two or more children: the percentage may be increased, but generally not above 50%.
- No fixed income: the amount is based on the parent's annual income, or by reference to the average income in the same industry.
- Special circumstances: the percentage may be adjusted up or down.
The court also considers the child's actual needs, the parents' means and the local standard of living. In high-income cases, courts may not apply the percentage mechanically and may focus on the child's reasonable needs instead.
What counts as income?
- salary, bonuses and allowances
- business and self-employment income
- rental and investment income
- other regular income
Irregular, hidden and foreign income
Where a parent is self-employed, owns a company or is paid in cash, their declared salary may not reflect their real income. Bank statements, company accounts, lifestyle evidence and tax records can help establish the true figure. Where income is earned abroad, it can be proved through documents such as payslips and tax returns, generally with an apostille and translation. Our in-house auditor can assist with complex income analysis.
What child support covers
Child support generally covers living costs, education and medical expenses. A good agreement also deals with:
- large or unusual costs such as international school fees, tutoring or major medical treatment
- how and when payments are made, for example monthly bank transfer
- whether support is paid monthly or in a lump sum
- annual review or adjustment for inflation
How long child support lasts
Support is generally payable until the child turns 18. It may end earlier if a child aged 16 or older supports themself mainly through their own labour. In some cases, support may continue for an adult child who cannot live independently, for example because they are still in full-time education below university level or are unable to work.
Increasing or reducing child support
The child (through the custodial parent) may request an increase where reasonably needed, for example because:
- the original amount no longer covers the child's actual needs in the local area
- the child's medical or education costs have increased because of illness or schooling
- the paying parent's income has increased significantly
A paying parent may seek a reduction where there is a genuine, substantial fall in their means, but courts take a cautious approach.
Enforcing unpaid child support
If support set by a judgment, mediation document or divorce agreement is not paid:
- a judgment or mediation document can be enforced by the court, including deducting wages, freezing bank accounts or restricting high spending
- unpaid support under a registry divorce agreement generally needs a court case first
- deliberately refusing to comply with a judgment can lead to penalties
If the paying parent lives abroad, enforcement may need action in their country. Between Hong Kong and the mainland, maintenance orders can be recognised and enforced under the 2022 Arrangement. See Hong Kong–mainland family matters.
How we help
- Calculating a realistic range and negotiating support in divorce agreements
- Proving the other parent's real income, including business and foreign income
- Applying to increase support or defending reduction claims
- Enforcing unpaid child support through the courts
- Cross-border enforcement coordination
Where possible, we aim for support terms that are clear enough to avoid future disputes: a fixed monthly amount, a defined list of extra costs to be shared, and a simple method for annual adjustment.
What to do next
Start with our child support calculator, then read how much child support in China or contact us for a free 30-minute consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much is child support in China?
For a paying parent with fixed income, generally 20% to 30% of monthly total income for one child. For two or more children the percentage may be higher but generally not above 50%. Courts also consider the child's needs and local living standards.
How is child support calculated if the other parent has no fixed income?
It is based on the parent's annual income, or by reference to the average income in the same industry. Bank records, company accounts and lifestyle evidence can help prove real income.
Until what age is child support paid in China?
Generally until the child turns 18. It may stop earlier if a child aged 16 or older lives mainly on their own earnings, and may continue for an adult child who cannot live independently in certain situations.
Can child support be increased later?
Yes. The child can request an increase where reasonably needed, for example because costs of education or medical care have risen, or the paying parent's income has increased significantly. An earlier agreement does not prevent this.
What can I do if my ex stops paying child support?
If support was ordered in a judgment or mediation document, you can apply to the court for enforcement, such as wage deductions or freezing accounts. If it was set in a registry divorce agreement, you generally need to bring a court case first.
Child Support by city
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