Paraguay Lawmakers Seek Harsher Penalties for Child Support Defaulters

Paraguay's Chamber of Deputies is set to debate two legislative proposals aimed at toughening penalties for fathers who default on child support payments. The bills, prioritized in the day's agenda at the request of ruling party leader Miguel Del Puerto, seek to provide more effective mechanisms for enforcing alimony obligations.

The "Ley Memby," or "Memby Law," is designed to enhance coercive legal tools. While current law allows for up to 50% of a parent's income to be withheld for overdue payments and prioritizes alimony over other debts, the proposed amendments aim to specify how courts can enforce this. Measures could include direct wage garnishment by employers, bank account seizures, and other asset embargoes, as outlined in the Civil Procedure Code.

A separate bill targets the modification and expansion of Law No. 6506/2020, which amends the registry of delinquent parents (Redam). The current penalties for parents declared delinquent after missing three payments are considered insufficient. The proposed changes aim to introduce stricter consequences for those who consistently fail to provide financial support for their children, potentially including restrictions on attending public events or even leaving the country.