Child Maintenance Checklist

Child Maintenance Case Checklist

A child maintenance case is only as strong as the evidence supporting it.

Many parents know their child needs financial support, but they struggle to prove the actual expenses before the Family Court.

The purpose of a Child Maintenance Checklist is to help parents gather the documents, records, and information commonly required to establish the financial needs of a child and the maintenance obligations of a parent.

Essential Personal Documents

Before filing a maintenance case, make sure the following documents are available:

• Original CNIC.

• CNIC copies.

• Current residential address.

• Recent passport-size photographs.

• Family Registration Certificate (FRC).

• Contact information of both parents.

Child Identity Documents Checklist

The Court must first establish the identity of the child and the relationship between the parties.

• Birth Certificate.

• B-Form.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Passport copy (if available).

• NICOP (if applicable).

• Previous Court orders involving the child.

Marriage Documents Checklist

Marriage records are usually required where the maintenance claim arises from a marital relationship.

• Nikah Nama.

• Marriage Registration Certificate.

• Divorce Certificate (if applicable).

• Khula Decree (if applicable).

• Previous family court orders.

School Expenses Checklist

Educational expenses often form a significant portion of child maintenance claims.

• School fee receipts.

• Admission fee receipts.

• Annual charges receipts.

• Books and stationery receipts.

• Uniform expenses.

• Transport fee receipts.

• School ID card.

• School progress reports.

Medical Expenses Checklist

Healthcare expenses should be properly documented.

• Medical bills.

• Doctor prescriptions.

• Hospital records.

• Laboratory reports.

• Vaccination records.

• Special treatment records.

• Health insurance documents.

• Medicine purchase receipts.

Monthly Household Expense Checklist

The Court may consider the actual cost of raising and caring for the child.

• Food expenses.

• Utility bills.

• Transportation expenses.

• Internet expenses for education.

• Childcare expenses.

• Domestic help expenses relating to the child.

• Clothing expenses.

• Personal care expenses.

Special Needs Child Checklist

Where a child has special educational, medical, or developmental needs, additional evidence should be prepared.

• Medical diagnosis reports.

• Therapy records.

• Psychological evaluations.

• Special education records.

• Rehabilitation expenses.

• Treatment plans.

• Special equipment invoices.

Evidence Of Existing Financial Support

If maintenance has previously been paid, records should be preserved.

• Bank transfer records.

• EasyPaisa receipts.

• JazzCash receipts.

• Cheque copies.

• Cash payment acknowledgements.

• Previous maintenance agreements.

Evidence Of Non-Payment

Where maintenance is not being paid, evidence of requests and refusals can be helpful.

• WhatsApp messages.

• Email communications.

• SMS records.

• Legal notices.

• Previous Court orders.

• Payment demand communications.

Father's Financial Information Checklist

The Court often considers the financial capacity of the parent responsible for maintenance.

• Salary slips.

• Employment certificate.

• Business records.

• Bank statements.

• Property ownership records.

• Vehicle ownership documents.

• Tax returns.

• Investment records.

Maintenance Arrears Checklist

If unpaid maintenance is being claimed, additional documents should be gathered.

• Previous maintenance orders.

• Calculation of arrears.

• Payment history.

• Bank records.

• Demand notices.

• Evidence of default.

Related guide: Child Maintenance Application Format.

Overseas Pakistani Child Maintenance Checklist

International maintenance cases require additional documentation.

• NICOP.

• Pakistani Passport.

• Foreign Passport (if applicable).

• Residence Permit.

• Visa copy.

• Special Power of Attorney.

• Foreign salary records.

• Foreign employment documents.

• Foreign address proof.

Related guide: Can Child Maintenance Be Handled From Abroad.

Questions You Should Be Ready To Answer

• What is the child's monthly school expense?

• What are the child's medical expenses?

• Who currently pays for the child?

• Has maintenance ever been paid before?

• What is the current income of the parents?

• Are there any special educational needs?

• Are there any special medical needs?

• Is maintenance arrears also being claimed?

Common Mistakes In Child Maintenance Cases

• Failing to keep fee receipts.

• Using estimated figures without proof.

• Ignoring medical expenses.

• Not documenting educational costs.

• Failing to preserve payment records.

• Not claiming maintenance arrears where applicable.

• Submitting incomplete financial information.

Quick Child Maintenance File Checklist

Before meeting a child maintenance lawyer, try to gather:

• CNIC.

• Birth Certificate.

• B-Form.

• Family Registration Certificate.

• Nikah Nama.

• School fee receipts.

• Medical bills.

• Expense records.

• Income-related documents.

• Previous Court orders.

• Evidence of payment or non-payment.

Need Help Preparing A Child Maintenance Case?

At Malhi Law Associates, we assist parents with Child Maintenance Claims, Maintenance Arrears Recovery Cases, Child Custody Matters, Visitation Rights Proceedings, Overseas Pakistani Family Law Cases, and family court litigation throughout Pakistan.