M'sian Law Now Requires Divorced Fathers To Pay Child Support Until Kids Finish University
All existing cases will be covered by the new amendment.
By Katrina Khairul Azman — 26 Dec 2018, 04:12 PM
It is now compulsory for divorced fathers to pay for maintenance of their children until they have completed their university studies, according to the newly amended civil marriages law
The amendment to Section 95 the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 2017, which was gazetted last week, states that child maintenance are to be paid until the "completion of further or higher education or training," Malaysiakini reported.
Section 76 of the Act, which concerns matrimonial assets, has been amended to recognise the contribution of mothers in looking after the welfare of their families
While distributing matrimonial assets during divorce proceedings, courts will also now consider the duration of the marriage.
According to Family Law practitioner Honey Tan, the amendment will solve many problems previously faced by divorced mothers
"It was a big problem for many mothers who got custody of their children. The fathers refused to pay maintenance after their children turned 18 years old," she told Malaysiakini.
"It is important to emphasise that all existing cases will be covered by the new Section 95. What a wonderful Christmas present, and a great way to end an otherwise dismal 2018 for child rights," the lawyer added.