Paraguay deputies debate bill to automatically end child support at 18

A contentious bill in Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies seeks to automatically terminate child support obligations once a child reaches the age of 18, eliminating the need for a court order. The proposal, championed by allied deputy Jatar "Oso" Fernández, aims to streamline the process of ending alimony payments.

The bill, which modifies Article 189 of the Law 1680/01 "Code of Childhood and Adolescence," explicitly states that the obligation to pay child support will cease "by full right on the day the recipient turns the age of majority, even without a judicial resolution." It also stipulates that all measures imposed against the provider of support will cease, except for debts related to overdue payments.

This initiative has sparked significant debate, with opponents arguing that it prioritizes the swift release of obligors from their duties over ensuring the financial security of minors. Critics contend that the bill could undermine the right to sustenance for children and potentially exacerbate existing judicial backlogs rather than alleviating them.

The proposal has faced division within legislative committees; the Commission on Childhood and Adolescence, for instance, has recommended its rejection. The bill has been stalled for months due to a lack of consensus, and it is possible that further delays could occur given the packed agenda of the Chamber of Deputies. In addition to the ordinary session agenda, Congress has convened a joint session to receive the president of Chile, José Antonio Kast.