Inklingo

How to Say "child support" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “child support” is “mantenimiento” — use 'mantenimiento' when referring to the general concept of financial upkeep or support, often in a broader context than just child support, such as in a divorce agreement..

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mantenimiento

mán-te-ni-mién-to/mante.niˈmjento/

nounB1general
Use 'mantenimiento' when referring to the general concept of financial upkeep or support, often in a broader context than just child support, such as in a divorce agreement.
A simple storybook illustration depicting one stylized figure extending a small stack of golden coins into the open hand of a second figure, symbolizing financial support.

Examples

El acuerdo de divorcio incluye una cuota de mantenimiento.

The divorce agreement includes a maintenance payment.

El tribunal fijó una pensión de mantenimiento para los menores.

The court set a child support payment for the minors.

Luchamos por el mantenimiento económico de la familia.

We fight for the financial sustenance of the family.

Legal Context

When used in the sense of financial support, 'mantenimiento' often appears alongside words like 'pensión' (payment) or 'cuota' (quota).

pensión

nounC1legal/formal
Use 'pensión' specifically when referring to a regular payment made for the purpose of child maintenance, often called 'pensión alimenticia'.

Examples

El padre debe pagar una pensión alimenticia mensual.

The father must pay a monthly child support payment.

Specificity of 'pensión' vs. 'mantenimiento'

Learners often confuse 'mantenimiento' and 'pensión' because both can relate to financial support. However, 'pensión' (especially 'pensión alimenticia') is the more precise term for 'child support' payments, while 'mantenimiento' is broader and can refer to general upkeep.

Related Translations

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