CHAPTER XX

MAINTENANCE OBLIGATIONS1Convention on the Recovery Abroad of MaintenanceNew York, 20 June 1956Entry into force25 May 1957, in accordance with article 14.Registration25 May 1957, No. 3850StatusSignatories24Parties64TextUnited Nations, <i>Treaty Series </i>, vol. 268, p. 3, and vol. 649, p. 330 (procès-verbal of rectification of authentic Spanish text).The Convention was adopted and opened for signature by the United Nations Conference on Maintenance Obligations convened pursuant to resolution <a href="/doc/source/docs/E_RES_572_XIX-E.pdf" target="_blank">572 (XIX)</a><superscript>1</superscript> of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, adopted on 17 May 1955. The Conference met at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York from 29 May to 20 June 1956. For the text of the Final Act of the Conference, see United Nations, <i>Treaty Series </i>, vol. 268, p. 3.

Participant<superscript>2</superscript>SignatureAccession(a), Succession(d), RatificationAlgeria10 Sep 1969 aArgentina29 Nov 1972 aAustralia12 Feb 1985 aAustria21 Dec 1956 16 Jul 1969 Barbados18 Jun 1970 aBelarus14 Nov 1996 aBelgium 1 Jul 1966 aBolivia (Plurinational State of)20 Jun 1956 Bosnia and Herzegovina<superscript>3</superscript> 1 Sep 1993 dBrazil31 Dec 1956 14 Nov 1960 Burkina Faso27 Aug 1962 aCabo Verde13 Sep 1985 aCambodia20 Jun 1956 Central African Republic15 Oct 1962 aChile 9 Jan 1961 aColombia16 Jul 1956 10 Nov 1999 Croatia<superscript>3</superscript>20 Sep 1993 dCuba20 Jun 1956 Cyprus 8 May 1986 aCzech Republic<superscript>4</superscript>30 Sep 1993 dDenmark28 Dec 1956 22 Jun 1959 Dominican Republic20 Jun 1956 Ecuador20 Jun 1956 4 Jun 1974 El Salvador20 Jun 1956 Estonia 8 Jan 1997 aFinland13 Sep 1962 aFrance<superscript>5</superscript> 5 Sep 1956 24 Jun 1960 Germany<superscript>6,7</superscript>20 Jun 1956 20 Jul 1959 Greece20 Jun 1956 1 Nov 1965 Guatemala26 Dec 1956 25 Apr 1957 Haiti21 Dec 1956 12 Feb 1958 Holy See20 Jun 1956 5 Oct 1964 Hungary23 Jul 1957 aIreland26 Oct 1995 aIsrael20 Jun 1956 4 Apr 1957 Italy 1 Aug 1956 28 Jul 1958 Kazakhstan28 Mar 2000 aKyrgyzstan27 May 2004 aLiberia16 Sep 2005 aLuxembourg 1 Nov 1971 aMexico20 Jun 1956 23 Jul 1992 Monaco20 Jun 1956 28 Jun 1961 Montenegro<superscript>8</superscript>23 Oct 2006 dMorocco18 Mar 1957 aNetherlands (Kingdom of the)<superscript>9</superscript>20 Jun 1956 31 Jul 1962 New Zealand<superscript>10</superscript>26 Feb 1986 aNiger15 Feb 1965 aNorth Macedonia<superscript>3</superscript>10 Mar 1994 dNorway25 Oct 1957 aPakistan14 Jul 1959 aPhilippines20 Jun 1956 21 Mar 1968 Poland13 Oct 1960 aPortugal25 Jan 1965 aRepublic of Moldova24 Jul 2006 aRomania10 Apr 1991 aSerbia<superscript>3</superscript>12 Mar 2001 dSeychelles 1 Nov 2004 aSlovakia<superscript>4</superscript>28 May 1993 dSlovenia<superscript>3</superscript> 6 Jul 1992 dSpain 6 Oct 1966 aSri Lanka20 Jun 1956 7 Aug 1958 Suriname12 Oct 1979 aSweden 4 Dec 1956 1 Oct 1958 Switzerland 5 Oct 1977 aTunisia16 Oct 1968 aTürkiye 2 Jun 1971 aUkraine<superscript>11,12</superscript>19 Sep 2006 aUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland<superscript>13</superscript>13 Mar 1975 aUruguay18 Sep 1995 aAlgeriaThe Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article 16 of the Convention concerning the competence of the International Court of Justice and affirms that the agreement of all the parties concerned is required in each case before a dispute can be brought before the International Court of Justice.Argentina<i> (a)</i> The Argentine Republic reserves the right, with respect to article 10 of the Convention, to restrict the application of the expression "highest priority" in the light of the provisions governing exchange controls in Argentina.<i> (b)</i> In the event that another Contracting Party extends the application of the Convention to territories over which the Argentine Republic exercises sovereignty, such extension shall in no way affect the latter's rights (the reference is to article 12 of the Convention).<i> (c)</i> The Argentine Government reserves the right not to apply the procedure provided for in article16 of the Convention in any dispute directly or indirectly related to the territories referred to in its declaration concerning article 12.AustraliaDeclaration:"Australia wishes to declare, in accordance with Article 12, that with the exception of the Territory of Norfolk Island, the Convention shall not be applicable to the territories for the International relations of which Australia is responsible."Israel" <i>Article 5 </i> <i>: </i>The Transmitting Agency shall transmit under paragraph 1 any order, final or provisional, and any other judicial act, obtained by the claimant for the payment of maintenance in a competent tribunal of Israel, and, where necessary and possible, the record of the proceedings in which such order was made." <i>Article 10: </i> Israel reserves the right:"a) to take the necessary measures to prevent transfers of funds under this Article for purposes other than the bona fide payment of existing maintenance obligations;"b) to limit the amounts transferable pursuant to this Article, to amounts necessary for subsistence."Netherlands (Kingdom of the)The Government of the Kingdom makes the following reservation with regard to article 1 of the Convention: the recovery of maintenance shall not be facilitated by virtue of this article if, the claimant and the respondent being both in the Netherlands, or, respectively, in Surinam, the Netherlands Antilles or Netherlands New Guinea, and assistance having been granted or similar arrangements made under the Assistance to the Needy Act ( <i>Loi sur l'Assistance des Pauvres </i>), no recovery was in general obtained for such assistance from the respondent, having regard to the circumstances of the case in question."The Convention has for the time being been ratified for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Europe only. If, in accordance with article 12, the application of the Convention will at any time be extended to the parts of the Kingdom outside Europe, the Secretary-General will be duly notified thereof. In that event the notification will contain such reservation as may be made on behalf of any of these parts of the Kingdom."Republic of MoldovaDeclaration:"Until the full re-establishment of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, the provisions of the Convention shall be applied only on the territory controlled effectively by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova. "SeychellesReservation:"The Republic of Seychelles reserves the right, with respect to article 10 of the Convention, to restrict the application of the expression ' highest priority ' in the light of the legal provisions governing exchange control in Seychelles."Sweden<superscript>14</superscript><i>Article 1: </i> Sweden reserves the right to reject, where the circumstances of the case under consideration appear to make this necessary, any application for legal support aimed at the recovery of maintenance from a person who entered Sweden as a political refugee.<right>11 November 1988</right><i>Article 9: </i> "Where the proceedings are pending in Sweden, the exemptions in the payment of costs and the facilities provided in paragraph 1 shall be granted only to persons resident in a State Party to the Convention or to any person who would otherwise enjoy such advantages under an agreement concluded with the State of which he is a national."Tunisia(1) Persons living abroad may only claim the advantages provided for in the Convention when considered non-residents under the exchange regulations in force in Tunisia.(2) A dispute may only be referred to the International Court of Justice with the agreement of all the parties to the dispute.Czech Republic<superscript>4</superscript>Poland<right>5 February 1969</right>The Government of the Polish People's Republic wishes to express its objection, in accordance with article 17, paragraph 1, of the said Convention, to the first two reservations made by the Government of Tunisia in its instrument of accession.Slovakia<superscript>4</superscript>United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland<right>13 March 1975</right>"With reference to article 17 (1) of the Convention . . . the Government of the United Kingdom [objects] to reservations (b) and (c) made by Argentina in respect of articles 12 and 16 upon accession to the Convention."Colombia<right>27 October 2003</right>Proceedings relating to maintenance for minors "Maintenance" is understood to mean everything essential for the support, housing, clothing, medical treatment, recreation, comprehensive training and education or instruction of the minor. Maintenance shall include the obligation to pay the mother's pregnancy and childbirth expenses. Article 133, Decree No. 2737 of 1989, Minors' Code.Every minor is entitled to the protection, care and assistance necessary to achieve adequate physical, mental, moral and social development, and such rights are recognized from the time of conception. Article 3 of Decree No. 2737, Minors' Code.In the event of non-compliance with the maintenance obligation towards a minor, a request for conciliation may be submitted to the Family Ombudsman, the competent judges, the Family Commissioner or the Corrections Inspector of the minor's place of residence by either parent, by the child's relatives, by the guardian or person caring for the child or motu proprio. Article 136, Decree No. 2737 of 1989, Minors' Code.The right to claim maintenance may not be waived and is non-transferable in the event of death. The right to claim maintenance may not be sold or assigned in any way.The person owing maintenance (respondent) may not ask the claimant to offset that debt with sums owed to him by the claimant.Even if the parents have been deprived of parental authority, their maintenance obligation does not cease. This obligation ceases when the minor is adopted.As long as the respondent does not fulfil or agree to fulfil the maintenance obligation towards the minor, he may not claim custody and personal care or exercise other rights over the minor.When necessary, the judge will decide who is to have custody and care of the minor(s) on whose behalf the proceedings were instituted, without prejudice to the relevant judicial actions. Article 150, Decree No. 2737, Minors' Code.An expectant mother may claim maintenance in respect of the offspring of the legitimate father (husband) or of the man who has recognized paternity in the case of a child to be born out of wedlock. Article 135, Decree No. 2737 of 1989, Minors' Code.Conciliation Act No. 23 of 1991, Act No. 446 of 1998 and Act No. 640 of 2001Article 35 of Act No. 640 of 2001. "Admissibility requirement. In cases suitable for conciliation, extrajudicial conciliation as of right is an admissibility requirement for application to the civil, administrative law, labour and family courts, as specified in this Act for each of these areas."Accordingly, in requests for imposition of maintenance payments for a minor, the child's mother or father or the child's relatives or officials dealing with the case may initiate conciliation with the person obligated to pay such maintenance.In this case, the (non-compliant) person obligated to pay maintenance will be summoned to the office of the Family Commissioner, the Family Ombudsman or the competent judge to try to reach agreement on the amount of the maintenance payments, the means of making them, their timing and guarantees of observance. The respondent may authorize deduction from his salary of the agreed amounts.When conciliation has produced agreement on the maintenance figure, method of payment, timing of the payments and relevant guarantee, a record will be prepared for signature by the presiding official and the parties. The official will then approve it by means of a writ and the conciliation will thus become enforceable; in other words, in caseof non-compliance by the respondent, maintenance enforcement proceedings will be initiated.If the person summoned does not appear, after being summoned twice and after the reason for the summons has been given, or if the conciliation fails, the official may establish a provisional maintenance figure and the writ establishing it will be enforceable. The official must submit the claim for maintenance to the competent judge in order for the figure provisionally established to be confirmed by the judge.Maintenance conciliations may vary depending on the circumstances of the person obligated to pay maintenance and the needs of the person receiving the financial support. In addition, the judicial decision awarding maintenance may be reviewed in order to revise the maintenance figure, when the respondent is the father of another minor or other minors.The conciliation record must contain the following information:Place, date and time of the conciliation hearing;Name of the Conciliator;Name of the persons summoned to the conciliation and indication of who attended the proceedings;Brief account of the claims that are the subject of the conciliation;Agreement reached by the parties during the proceedings.Each of the parties participating in the conciliation must receive a copy of the record.Claims for maintenance for minors Claims for maintenance for minors are dealt with in the manner established in Decree No. 2737 of 1989 (Minors' Code); as specified in Decree No. 2272 of 1989, the decision is not subject to appeal.Claims for maintenance must contain the name of the parties, their address for notification purposes (place of residence, domicile, whereabouts or place of work), the amount of maintenance claimed, the justification for the claimand the evidence adduced and must be accompanied by any documents in the possession of the claimant. Claims may be submitted orally or in writing. If any document is missing that the claimant is unable to attach, the judge may, at the request of a party or ex officio, order the relevant authority to issue the document.If he deems it necessary, the judge may order attachment of the respondent's salary (in an amount that he considers appropriate) in the writ authorizing submission of the claim (in order to guarantee fulfilment of the maintenance obligation), for which purpose he shall communicate officially with the respondent's employer. He may also order retention of an amount that he considers appropriate from the respondent's severance pay, in order to guarantee the minor's maintenance in the event that the respondent resigns or is laid off from his employment.Evidence Any judicial decision must be based on the evidence duly and regularly produced in the proceedings. Article 174 of the Code of Civil Procedure.Means of proof. The means of proof are statements by the parties, responses under oath, testimony of third parties, expert opinions, physical examination of exhibits, documents, circumstantial evidence and any other means that may help the judge to form an opinion. Article 175 of the Code of Civil Procedure.Evidence located abroad When the civil proceedings require formalities on foreign territory, the judge may, depending on the nature and urgency of the matter:1. Send letters rogatory, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to one of the judicial authorities in the country where the formalities are to take place so that it may conduct them and send the evidence back through the diplomatic or consular agent of Colombia or of a friendly country.2. Directly request the consul or diplomatic agent of Colombia in the country concerned to conduct the formalities in accordance with national legislation and to send the evidence back directly. The consuls and diplomatic agents of Colombia abroad are authorized to conduct all the judicial formalities in civil cases entrusted to them under article 193 of the Code of Civil Procedure.Evidence is provided at the request of the parties or following an official order from the judge, if he considers it necessary for verification of the facts alleged by the parties. The cost of providing evidence is shared equally by the parties, without prejudice to the judge's decision regarding the costs of the proceedings.Deposition. Statement made before the judge in exercise of his functions. Other statements are extra-judicial.Questioning. The judge may officially summon the parties to answer under oath any questions he wishes to put to them. He may also summon one of the parties, at the request of the other, provided that the request is made in due form.Oath. When the law authorizes the judge to request any of the parties to take an oath, the oath must be taken at the time when the evidence is to be presented, at the date and time appointed.Statements by third parties. All persons are obliged to make statements if requested, except in the cases specified by law.Expert opinion. An opinion requiring the participation of experts or persons specializing in specific scientific, technical or artistic subjects.Physical examination of exhibits. Proof established by verification of certain facts germane to the proceedings.Circumstantial evidence. In order for a fact to be considered as circumstantial evidence, it must be fully proved in the proceedings. The judge is authorized to deduce circumstantial evidence from the behaviour of the parties.Documents. Documents may be public or private. Public documents are those issued by a public official in the performance of his duties or with his intervention. Private documents are those not meeting the requirements to be considered as public documents.Authentic document. A document regarding which certainty exists as to the person who drafted, wrote or signed it. A public document is presumed to be authentic, unless the contrary is proved by evidence of forgery. Private documents are authentic if they meet the requirements specified by law.In order for proceedings to be initiated for recovery of maintenance for minors, the relationship between the minor claiming maintenance and the person obligated to provide it must be proved. This shall be done by reference to the Civil Registry where the minor's birth is recorded. The financial ability of the respondent to provide maintenance must also be proved, even summarily (reason to believe). If such ability cannot be proved, an analysis will have to be made of the respondent's social position and habits and it will ultimately be presumed that the respondent will pay the minor the minimum wage.In order to demonstrate the respondent's ability to pay, a certificate of income and statutory allowances, if he is employed, may be requested as evidence (documentary or oral). The Land Registry Office may be requested to report on immovable property owned by the respondent. The Transit and Transport Secretariat may be asked to determine the ownership of automobiles registered to the respondent. The Chamber of Commerce may be asked to establish the respondent's ownership of or participation in commercial firms. The national Tax Office may be asked to provide the respondent's tax return, and credit or banking institutions may be asked to report on the respondent's balances and on credit card usage. Oral evidence may also be sought, in which persons are asked about the respondent's income.Maintenance is due at the time of the first claim and must be paid monthly in advance, during the first five days of the month in question. Article 421 of the Civil Code, in conformity with the second paragraph of article 498 of the Code of Civil Procedure, Decree No. 2282 of 1989.The maintenance order may specify: An amount to be deducted from the respondent's pay or salary, which may not exceed 50 per cent of his monthly income. Establishment of a fund, the income from which will be used to make the established maintenance payments.A specific sum of money, depending on the respondent's demonstrated ability to pay.Maintenance payments will increase annually, either in order to reflect cost-of-living increases or as agreed between the parties during the conciliation.Maintenance enforcement proceedings In the event of non-compliance with the maintenance obligation agreed during the conciliation or decreed by decision of the judge, the family judge concerned may initiate maintenance enforcement proceedings, with the legal consequences, if necessary, of attachment and auction of property.Complaints of failure to provide maintenance "Any person who without good reason fails to provide maintenance legally due to his relatives in the ascending line, descendants, adopter or adoptee, or spouse shall be liable to imprisonment for a term ranging from one (1) to three (3) years and a fine ranging from ten (10) to twenty (20) times the monthly legal minimum wagein force.""The penalty shall be imprisonment ranging from two (2) to four (4) years and a fine ranging from fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) times the monthly legal minimum wage in force if the failure to provide maintenance concerns a minor under fourteen (14) years of age." Article 233 of the Penal Code."Aggravating circumstances. The penalty specified in the preceding article shall be increased by up to one third if the respondent has fraudulently concealed, reduced or encumbered his income or assets in order to avoid paying maintenance." Article 234 of the Penal Code."Repetition. Enforcement of the sentence shall not preclude the initiation of further proceedings if the person concerned again fails to make maintenance payments." Article 235 of the Penal Code.Republic of Moldova<right>7 November 2007</right>In its capacity as Receiving Agency, the Ministry of Justice shall limit the performance of its duties to receiving documents from foreign claimants and, where appropriate, communicating replies. It will also have the right, pursuant to article 3, paragraph 3, of the aforementioned Convention, to appoint the national authority authorized to act on behalf of the claimant.Pursuant to article 3, paragraph 2, of the aforementioned Convention, the evidence required for the proof of maintenance claims is as follows:- the power of attorney granted to the Receiving Agency of the country in which the respondent is domiciled;- a certified copy of the marriage or divorce certificate, as appropriate;- a certified copy of the child's birth certificate.For claimants over the age of 18 who do not have a regular income, the following is also required:- a statement of monthly income and a certificate concerning the increase in maintenance;- any other documents attesting to the claimant's delicate financial situation (school certificates, medical certificates in the case of disabled persons, etc.);- the bank account of the claimant into which the respondent may transfer maintenance payments from abroad;- photographs, where available, of the claimant and respondent;- such other additional documents as may be requested by the courts.The aforementioned documents must be submitted in duplicate, both copies having been duly authorized.The Republic of Moldova hereby declares that all documents submitted to the Republic of Moldova pursuant to the provisions of the Convention must be accompanied by certified translations into Moldovan.

ParticipantDate of receipt of the notificationTerritories

Australia12 Feb 1985Norfolk IslandFrance24 Jun 1960Comoro Islands, French Polynesia, French Somaliland, New Caledonia and Dependencies and St. Pierre and MiquelonNetherlands (Kingdom of the)<superscript>9</superscript>12 Aug 1969Netherlands AntillesUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland29 Nov 1984Isle of Man30 Jul 2003Bailiwick of Jersey14AlgeriaMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeArgentinaMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeAustraliaChild Support Agency, GPO Box 9815, Hobart, Tasmania 7001 Australia, Phone: +61 3 6221 0187, Facsimile: +61 3 6221 0180Child Support Agency, GPO Box 9815, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia, Phone: +61 3 6221 0187, Facsimile: +61 3 6221 0180AustriaDistrict Court(Bezirksgericht) exercising judicial jurisdiction in civil law matters in whose territory the claimant has his permanent residence, or if he has none in the country, his actual residence to act in its territory as Transmitting Agency.The Federal Ministry of JusticeAustriaVienna - Districts I-XXDistrict Court of the Inner City of ViennaAustriaVienna - Districts XXI, XXIIDistrict Court of FlorisdorfAustriaVienna - Districts XXIIIDistrict Court of LiesingBarbadosAttorney General of BarbadosAttorney General of BarbadosBelarus<superscript>15</superscript>Ministry of Justice (See attachment 1)District Courts (See attachment 1)BelgiumMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeBosnia and HerzegovinaMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeBrazilProcuradoria Geral da República (Attorney General's Office)Procuradoria Geral da República (Attorney General's Office)Burkina FasoMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeCape VerdeRegional CourtsProcuradoria-Geral da RepúblicaCentral African Republic<superscript>16</superscript>ChileCorporación de Asistencia Judicial de la Región Metropolitana, Calle Augustinas 1419, Telephone: (56) (2) 6982829, Facsimile: (56) (2) 6728700Corporación de Asistencia Judicial de la Región Metropolitana, Calle Augustinas 1419, Telephone: (56) (2) 6982829, Facsimile: (56) (2) 6728700China<superscript>17</superscript>ColombiaConsejo Superior de la Judicatura Presidencia de la Sala Administrativa Calle 12 No. 7-65, En Bogotá D.C. PBX 57-1-5658500Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar Subdirección de Intervenciones Directas Avenida 68 No. 64-01, en Bogotá D.C. PBX 57-1-4377630-página Web: www.bienestarfamiliar.gov.coCroatiaMinistarstvo rada, mirovinskoga sustava, obitelji i socijalne politike (Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy) Ulica grada Vukovara 78 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Telephone: + 385 1 555 7111, + 385 1 555 7015 Fax: + 385 1 555 7222 E-mail: pisarnica@mrosp.hr Web-site: https://mrosp.gov.hr/Ministarstvo rada, mirovinskoga sustava, obitelji i socijalne politike (Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy) Ulica grada Vukovara 78 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Telephone: + 385 1 555 7111, + 385 1 555 7015 Fax: + 385 1 555 7222 E-mail: pisarnica@mrosp.hr Web-site: https://mrosp.gov.hr/CyprusMinistry of Justice of the RepublicMinistry of Justice of the RepublicCzech RepublicContact: Office for International Legal Protection of Children, Šilingrovo námestí 3/4, 602 00 BRNO, Czech Republic, email: podatelna@umpod.cz, Contact persons: Mr. Zdenek Kapitán, Director, Ms. Markéta Nováková, Deputy DirectorContact: Office for International Legal Protection of Children, Šilingrovo námestí 3/4, 602 00 BRNO, Czech Republic, email: podatelna@umpod.cz, Contact persons: Mr. Zdenek Kapitán, Director, Ms. Markéta Nováková, Deputy DirectorDenmarkGaeldsstyrelsen Pionér Allé 1 DK - 6270 Tonder, Danemark Email : international-inddrivelse.toender@gaeldst.dkFamilieretshuset Storetorv 10 6200 Aabenraa, Denmark Email : post@familieretshuset.dk Website : www.familieretshuset.dkEcuadorNational Court of MinorsPresident of National Court of MinorsEstoniaMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeFinlandMinistry of Foreign AffairsMinistry of Foreign AffairsFranceMinistère des affaires étrangères, Division du contentieux service du recouvrement des aliments à l'étranger(Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Contentious Matters, Recovery Abroad of Maintenance Service)23, rue la Pérouse, Paris (XVIème), FranceMinistère des affaires étrangères, Division du contentieux service du recouvrement des aliments à l'étranger(Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Contentious Matters, Recovery Abroad of Maintenance Service)23, rue la Pérouse, Paris (XVIème), FranceGermanyBundesamt für Justiz 53094 Bonn Tel.: + 49 228 99 410-40 Fax.: + 49 228 99 410-5202E-Mail: auslandsunterhalt-2@bfj.bund.de Homepage: http://www.bundesjustizamt.de”Bundesamt für Justiz 53094 Bonn Tel.: + 49 228 99 410-40 Fax.: + 49 228 99 410-5202E-Mail: auslandsunterhalt-2@bfj.bund.de Homepage: http://www.bundesjustizamt.de”GermanyLand Baden-WürttembergMinistry of Justice of Land Baden- Württenberg in StuttgardBundesverwaltungsamt, Außenstelle Bonn, Postfach 20 03 5153133 Bonn, E-mail address: bva-poststelle@bva.bund.de, Internet: www.bundesverwaltungsamt.deGermanyLand Bayern (Bavaria)Bavarian Ministry of Justice in Munich/ Bayerisches Staatsministerium der Justiz, 80097 MuenchenGermanyLand BerlinSenator of Justice at Berlin-SchonebergGermanyLand BremenSenator of Justice and Constitution in BremenGermanyLand HamburgSenate of Hamburg - Justice Administration - in HamburgGermanyLand Hessen (Hesse)Hessian Minister of Justice in WiesbadenGermanyLand Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony)Minister of Justice of Land Lower Saxony in HanoverGermanyLand Nordrhein -Westfalen (North Rhine/Westphalia)Minister of Justice of Land North-Rhine / Westphalia in DusserldorfGermanyLand Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland/Palatinate)Minister of Justice of Land Rhineland-Palatinate in MainzGermanySaarlandMinister of Justice in SaarbrückenGermanyLand Schleswig-HolsteinMinister of Justice of Land Schleswig-Holstein in KielGermanyLand BrandenburgBrandenburg Ministry of Justice, PotsdamGermanyLand Mecklenburg - Western PomeraniaMinister of Justice, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg - Western Pomerania, SchwerinGermanyLand SaxonySaxon Ministry of Justice, DresdenGermanyLand Saxony-AnhaltMinister of Justice of Saxony-Anhalt, MagdeburgGermanyLand ThuringiaThurigian Minister of Justice, ErfurtGreeceMinistry of Foreign AffairsMinistry of JusticeGuatemalaAttorney-General of the Nation (Procurador General de la Nación, Jefe del Ministerio Público)Attorney-General of the Nation (Procurador General de la Nación, Jefe del Ministerio Público)HaitiCommissaire du Gouvernement près de la Cour de cassation et Juriste du Ministère des Affaires étrangèresDépartement de la Justice, par le truchement du Minstère des Affaires étrangèresHoly SeeOffice of Protocol - General Affairs Section, Secretariat of State, 00120 Vatican CityOffice of Protocol - General Affairs Section, Secretariat of State, 00120 Vatican CityHungaryMinistry of Justice and Law Enforcement(Igazságügyi és Rendészeti Minisztérium), Postal Address: Kossuth lajos tér 4. Budapest 1055, Hungary, Tel:+36-1-441-3003, Fax:+36-1-441-3711Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour(Szociális és Munkaügyi Minisztérium)Postal Address: POB 609, Budapest 1373, Hungary, Tel:+36-1-475-5700, Fax:+36-1-475-5800IrelandCentral Authority for Maintenance Recovery, Department of Equality and Law Reform 43/49 Mespil Road, Dublin 4, Ireland [25 June 2007] Central Authority for Maintenance Recovery Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Bishops Square, Redmond's Hill, Dublin 2 Ireland, Telephone: +353 1 4790200, Fax: +353 1 4790201, Email: mainrecov@justice.ie[25 June 2007] Central Authority for Maintenance Recovery Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Bishops Square, Redmond's Hill, Dublin 2 Ireland, Telephone: +353 1 4790200, Fax: +353 1 4790201, Email: mainrecov@justice.ieIsraelDepartment of Legal Aid, Ministry of Justice, 1 Soreg Street, Beit Mizpeh, P.O. Box 1777, Jerusalem 91017, Israel. Tel.: 972(2)6211381; Fax: 972(2)6467945.Department of Legal AidItalyMinistry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign AffairsMinistry of InteriorKazakhstanCommittee on Judicial Administration to the Supreme Court of the Republic of KazakhstanKyrgyzstanJudicial Department under the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz RepublicJudicial Department under the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz RepublicLuxembourgM. le Procureur général d'État, 12, Côte D'Eich, Boîte postale 15L-2010 LuxembourgM. le Procureur général d'État, 12, Côte D'Eich, Boîte postale 15L-2010 LuxembourgMexicoSecretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Dirección General de Protección a Mexicanos en el Exterior, Dirección General Adjunta de Derecho de Familia, Plaza Juárez #20, Piso 17, Col. Centro, Del. Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, Tel. : +52 (55) 3686-5856, Email: dgpmexterior@sre.gob.mx; Represented by: Jacob Prado, Director General, jprado@sre.gob.mx; Raúl García Zentlapal, Director General Adjunto de Derecho de Familia, rgarciaz@sre.gob.mx, +52 (55) 3686-5871; Mónica Alexander Padilla, Subdirectora de Pensiones Alimenticias y Adopciones Internacionales, malexander@sre.gob.mx, +52 (55) 3686-5100 ext. 7543Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Dirección General de Protección a Mexicanos en el Exterior, Dirección General Adjunta de Derecho de Familia, Plaza Juárez #20, Piso 17, Col. Centro, Del. Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, Tel. : +52 (55) 3686-5856, Email: dgpmexterior@sre.gob.mx; Represented by: Jacob Prado, Director General, jprado@sre.gob.mx; Raúl García Zentlapal, Director General Adjunto de Derecho de Familia, rgarciaz@sre.gob.mx, +52 (55) 3686-5871; Mónica Alexander Padilla, Subdirectora de Pensiones Alimenticias y Adopciones Internacionales, malexander@sre.gob.mx, +52 (55) 3686-5100 ext. 7543MoldovaLe Ministère de la Justice de la République de Moldova, rue 31 Aout 1989, 82, Chisinau, MD-2012, République de MoldovaLe Ministère de la Justice de la République de Moldova, rue 31 Aout 1989, 82, Chisinau, MD-2012, République de MoldovaMoldova“Le Ministère de la Justice de la République de Moldova, rue 31 Aout 1989, 82, Chisinau, MD-2012, République de Moldova”.“Le Ministère de la Justice de la République de Moldova, rue 31 Aout 1989, 82, Chisinau, MD-2012, République de Moldova”.MonacoParquet généralDirection des Relations extérieuresMontenegroMinistry of Finance of the Republic of MontenegroMinistry of Finance of the Republic of MontenegroMoroccoMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeNetherlandsRaad voor de Kinderbescherming's Gravenhage Dependance Gouda, LBIOBureau Verdrag van New York, Postbus 8002800 AV GoudaRaad voor de Kinderbescherming's Gravenhage Dependance Gouda, LBIOBureau Verdrag van New York, Postbus 8002800 AV GoudaNetherlands (Netherlands Antilles)de Voogdijraad (Court of Guardianship) on Curaçaode Voogdijraad (Court of Guardianship) on CuraçaoNew ZealandDepartment of Justice, Private Bag Postal Center, Wellington, New ZealandDepartment of Justice, Private Bag, Postal Center, Wellington, New ZealandNigerDepartment of General Administrative and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign AffairsDepartment of General Administrative and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign AffairsNorwayNAV Family Benefits and Pensions Child Support Postboks 6600 Etterstad N-0607 OSLO Norway e-mail: central.authority.child.support@nav.noNAV Family Benefits and Pensions Child Support Postboks 6600 Etterstad N-0607 OSLO Norway e-mail: central.authority.child.support@nav.noPakistanSolicitor General to the Government of Pakistan correspondence address: Block ‘R’, 3rd Floor, Ministry of Law and Justice, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad, PakistanSolicitor General to the Government of Pakistan correspondence address: Block ‘R’, 3rd Floor, Ministry of Law and Justice, Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad, PakistanPortugalDirecção-Geral da Administração de Justiça - Ministerio da Justiça (Direction générale de l’administration de la Justice - Ministère de la Justice) Divisão de Cooperação Judiciária lnternacional (Division de la coopération judiciaire internationale) Adresse : Av. D. João II, n.° 1.08.01 D/E, Ed. H - Pisos do 0, 9° ao 14° 1990-097 Lisboa, PORTUGALDirecção-Geral da Administração de Justiça - Ministerio da Justiça (Direction générale de l’administration de la Justice - Ministère de la Justice) Divisão de Cooperação Judiciária lnternacional (Division de la coopération judiciaire internationale) Adresse : Av. D. João II, n.° 1.08.01 D/E, Ed. H - Pisos do 0, 9° ao 14° 1990-097 Lisboa, PORTUGALRomaniaMinistry of Justice of Romania, Bd. Mihail Kogalniceanu 33, Bucharest 70749Baroul de Avocati al Municipiului Bucaresti, Bd. Magheru 22, Bucharest 70158Serbia“The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia, the Contact Point being Ms. Snezana Nedeljkovic (address: Kneza MIlosa 20, 11000 Beograd, Republic of Serbia; telephone/fax: +381 11 3642 732; e-mail address: snezana.nedeljkovic@mfin.gov.rs)."“The Office for Human and Minority Rights, the Contact Point being Mrs. Milica Ivkovic (Address: Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 2, 11070 Novi Beograd, Republic of Serbia; telephone: +381 11 3111 710; e-mail: milica@ljudskaprava.gov.rs).”SeychellesMinistry of Foreign AffairsMinistry of Foreign AffairsSlovakiaCentrum pre medzinárodnosprávnu ochranu deté a mládeze (Centre for the international legal protection of children and youth)Spitálska 6, P.O. Box 5781499 BRATISLAVA, SlovakiaCentrum pre medzinárodnosprávnu ochranu deté a mládeze (Centre for the international legal protection of children and youth)Spitálska 6, P.O. Box 5781499 BRATISLAVA, SlovakiaSlovenia<superscript>18</superscript>“Javni štipendijski, razvojni, invalidski in preživninski sklad Republike Slovenije (Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia), Dunajska cesta 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Phone: + 386 1 4720 990; Fax: + 386 1 4345 899; E-mail: jpsklad@jps-rs.si; Website: http://www.srips-rs.si/”“Javni štipendijski, razvojni, invalidski in preživninski sklad Republike Slovenije (Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia), Dunajska cesta 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Phone: + 386 1 4720 990; Fax: + 386 1 4345 899; E-mail: jpsklad@jps-rs.si; Website: http://www.srips-rs.si/”SpainDirección General de Codificación y Cooperación Juridica Internacional del Ministerio de Justicia e InteriorDirección General de Codificación y Cooperación Juridica Internacional del Ministerio de Justicia e InteriorSri LankaPermanent Secretary to the Ministry of External AffairsPermanent Secretary to the Ministry of External AffairsSurinameBureau for Family Law AffairsBureau for Family Law AffairsSwedenTransmitting and Receiving Agency: General questions and questions regarding policy decisions: Försäkringskassan (Swedish Social Insurance Agency) SE -103 51 Stockholm Sweden Tel + 46 (8) 786 90 00 Fax +46 (8) 411 27 89 Email: huvudkontoret@forsakringskassan.se Applications and requests for assistance in specific cases: Swedish Social Insurance Agency Box 1164 SE - 621 22 Visby Tel + 46 (771) 17 90 00 Fax + 46 (498) 20 04 11 Email: centralmyndigheten@forsakringskassan.seTransmitting and Receiving Agency: General questions and questions regarding policy decisions: Försäkringskassan (Swedish Social Insurance Agency) SE -103 51 Stockholm Sweden Tel + 46 (8) 786 90 00 Fax +46 (8) 411 27 89 Email: huvudkontoret@forsakringskassan.se Applications and requests for assistance in specific cases: Swedish Social Insurance Agency Box 1164 SE - 621 22 Visby Tel + 46 (771) 17 90 00 Fax + 46 (498) 20 04 11 Email: centralmyndigheten@forsakringskassan.seSwitzerlandFederal Office of Justice Central authority for international maintenance matters Bundesrain 20 CH-3003 Bern Tel.: +41 58 464 80 48 Fax.: +41 58 462 78 64 E-mail: alimente@bj.admin.ch Website: https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/en/home/gesellschaft/alimente.htmlFederal Office of Justice Central authority for international maintenance matters Bundesrain 20 CH-3003 Bern Tel.: +41 58 464 80 48 Fax.: +41 58 462 78 64 E-mail: alimente@bj.admin.ch Website: https://www.bj.admin.ch/bj/en/home/gesellschaft/alimente.htmlThe former Yugoslav Republic of MacedoniaMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeTunisiaDirectorate of Consular Affairs of the Secretariat of State for Foreign AffairsDirectorate of Consular Affairs of the Secretariat of State for Foreign AffairsTurkeyGeneral Directorate for International Law and Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of JusticeGeneral Directorate for International Law and Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of JusticeUkraineMinistry of JusticeMinistry of JusticeUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandEngland and WalesThe Secretary of State Home Office (C2 Division)50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9ATThe Secretary of State Home Office (C2 Division)50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9ATUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandNorthern IrelandThe Lord Chancellor's Department, Windsor House9/15 Bedford Street Belfast BT2 7EAThe Lord Chancellor's Department, Windsor House9/15 Bedford Street Belfast BT2 7EAUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandScotlandThe Scottish Government, EU & International Law Branch, 2W, St. Andrew’s House Edinburgh EH1 3DGThe Scottish Government, EU & International Law Branch, 2W, St. Andrew’s House Edinburgh EH1 3DGUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIsle of ManChief Registrar, Isle of Man Courts of Justice, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3ARChief Registrar, Isle of Man Courts of Justice, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3AR1<i>Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, Nineteenth Session, Supplement No. 1A </i> (E/2730/Add.1), p. 5.2Signed and ratified on behalf of the Republic of China on 4 December 1956 and 25 June 1957 respectively. See note concerning signatures, ratifications, accessions, etc., on behalf of China (note 1 under “China” in the “Historical Information” secton in the front matter of this volume).With reference to the above-mentioned accession, communications have been addressed to the Secretary-General by the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of Poland on the one hand, and of China on the other hand. The objection made on that occasion by the Govern- ment of Poland and the communication from the Government of the Republic of China are identical in essence, <i>mutatis mutandis </i>, to the corresponding communications referred to in note 3 in chapter VI.14.3The former Yugoslavia had signed and ratified the Convention on 31 December 1956 and 29 May 1959. See also note 1 under “Bosnia and Herzegovina”, “Croatia”, “former Yugoslavia”, “Slovenia”, “The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and “Yugoslavia” in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this volume.4Czechoslovakia had acceded to the Convention on 3 October 1958. Subsequently, on 21 April 1973, Czechoslovakia notified an objection with regard to the reservation made by the Government of Argentina to article 10 of the Convention. For the text of the objection see United Nations, <i>Treaty Series </i>, vol. 867, p. 214. See note 1 under “Czech Republic” and note 1 under “Slovakia” in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this volume.5The instrument of ratification by France contains the following declaration:<i> (a) </i> That the Convention shall apply to the territories of the French Republic, namely: the metropolitan departments, the departments of Algeria, the departments of the Oases and of Saoura, the departments of Guadeloupe, Guiana, Martinique and Réunion and the Overseas Territories (St. Pierre and Miquelon, French Somaliland, the Comoro Archipelago, New Caledonia and Dependencies and French Polynesia);<i>(b) </i> That its application may be extended, by subsequent notification, to the other States of the Community or to one or more such States.6See note 1 under “Germany” regarding Berlin (West) in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this volume.7See note 2 under “Germany” in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this volume.8See note 1 under "Montenegro" in the "Historical Information" section in the front matter of this volume.9Subject to the reservation with regard to article 1 which was made by the Netherlands upon ratification of the Convention. See also note 1 under “Netherlands” regardng Aruba/Netherlands Antilles in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this volume.10The Convention shall not extend to the Cook Islands nor to Niue or Tokelau.In a communication received on 30 June 2000, the Government of New Zealand informed the Secretary-General of the following:“Pursuant to Article 58 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, [the Government of New Zealand] has the honour to notify the United Nations, in its capacity as depository for [the Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance] of the intention to conclude an Agreement between the Government of New Zealand and the Government of Australia on Child and Spousal Maintenance ("the Agreement") which will suspend the operation of the Convention as between New Zealand and Australia.[The Government of New Zealand] assures the United Nations that the conclusion of the Agreement will not affect the enjoyment by the other Parties to the Convention of their rights under the Convention vis-a-vis the Parties to the Agreement, or the performance of their obligations to other Parties under the Convention. Furthermore, the Agreement to be concluded between the Government of New Zealand and Australia is not considered by them to be inconsistent with the object and purpose of the Convention.”See also note 1 under “New Zealand” regarding Tokelau in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this volume.11On 20 October 2015, the Government of Ukraine made a communication. The text can be found here: C.N.607.2015.TREATIES-XX.1 of 20 October 2015.12On 4 March 2022, the Government of Ukraine made a communication. The text can be found here: C.N.70.2022.TREATIES-XX.1 of 8 March 2022.13"In accordance with article 12 of the Convention, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland hereby gives notice that the provisions of the Convention shall not apply to any of the territories for the international relations of which the United Kingdom is responsible." <i>See also under “Territorial Applications” </i>.14In a communication received on 11 November 1988, the Government of Sweden notified the Secretary-General of the following concerning certain of the reservations, made upon ratification of the said Convention: (Original: English) "Sweden withdraws the reservations made in respect of Article 9, paragraph 2 in the Convention done at New York on 20 June 1956 on the recovery abroad of maintenance, and makes the following limited reservations in respect of paragraph 1 of the same Article: Where the proceedings are pending in Sweden, the exemptions in the payment of costs and the facilities provided in paragraph 1 shall be granted only to persons resident in a State Party to the Convention or to any person who would otherwise enjoy such advantages under an agreement concluded with the State of which he is a national." It should be noted that the above reservation in respect of paragraph 1 of Article 9 constitutes in substance a partial withdrawal of the original reservation to paragraph 1, since it differs from it only in that the facilities and exemptions concerned are now granted to all residents, and not only as was previously the v .case, to nationals and stateless residents.15Pursuant to the provisions of article 2, paragraph 3, of the Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance, adopted under the United Nations auspices on 20 June 1956, we have the honour to inform you that in the Republic of Belarus the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus is the Transmitting Agency, and the Republic's district (municipal) courts are the Receiving Agencies. Pursuant to article 3, paragraph 2, we have the honour to inform you that, for the recovery of maintenance in the territory of the Republic of Belarus, the Transmitting Agencies of the States parties to the Convention are obliged to submit the following documents: 1. Claimant's application for the recognition and execution of the court decision. 2. The court decision or a certified copy thereof and the official document concerning the decision's entry into force. 3. The document indicating that the party against whom the decision was taken and who did not take part in the court proceedings was duly notified or represented. 4. The document confirming partial execution of decisions at the time of its transmittal. Samples of the aforementioned documents are annexed hereto. We also wish to inform you that the aforementioned documents should be sent by the Transmitting Agencies of the States parties to the regional courts and the Minsk Municipal Court depending on the respondent's place of residence: 1. Brest Regional Court 224000, Brest, ul. Sovetskikh pogranichnikov, 41 2. Vitebsk Regional Court 210015, Vitebsk, ul. Shubina, 4 3. Gomel Regional Court 246000, ul. Sovetskaya, 20 4. Grodno Regional Court 230023, Grodno, ul. Karbysheva, 20 5. Mogilev Regional Court 21203, Mogilev, ul. Pervomaiskaya, 28a 6. Minsk Regional Court 220 030, Minsk, ul. Lenina, 28 7. Minsk Municipal Court220092, Minsk, ul. D. Martsinkevicha, 1 Address of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus: 220084, Minsk, ul. Kollektornaya, 10 Tel./fax: 20 97 55 Tel.: 20 83 8116A. First situation: the Central African Republic has concluded a judicial convention: 1. With France, under the Agreement on Co-operation in Judicial matters, dated 18 January 1965, the Agency which transmits or receives the maintenance claims is the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals. Claims are received or sent in the form of writs of debt, judgements or decrees, and the Ministers of Justice of the two States transmit them to the competent official, in this case the Procureur Général at the Court of Appeals of the respondent's residence, for execution. 2. With the African countries signatories of the Tananarive Convention of 12 September 1961, the exchanges are made through the Procureurs Généraux at the Court of Appeals. B. Second situation: The Central African Republic has not concluded a judicial convention with a particular country. Claims for recovery of maintenance are transmitted by the Procureur général at the Court of Appeals or the Minister of Justice, who refers them to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic, who refers them to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the country where the respondent resides. Claims originated abroad follow the same procedure.17Upon ratification (depositary notification C.N.80.1957.TREATIES-6 of 5 July 1957), the Government of the Republic of China designated the Ministry of Justice as Transmitting Agency and the National Bar Association of the Republic of China as Receiving Agency, both located in Taipei, Taiwan, China. With reference to signatures, ratifications, accessions, etc., on behalf of China, see United Nations publication Multilateral Treaties deposited with the Secretary-General, Status as at 31 December 2003 (document <a href="/doc/source/publications/MTDSG/2003-vol.2-english.pdf" target="_blank">ST/LEG/SER/E/22/Add.1</a>), notes 1, 2 and 3 in the "Historical Information" section in the front matter of this volume.18On 1 August 2011, the Government of Slovenia had designated the following as Transmitting and Receiving Agency: “Ministrstvo za delo, družino in socialne zadeve (Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs) Kotnikova 5, 1000 Ljubljana Email: gp.mddsz@gov.si Slovenia Telephone number: +386 (1) 369 75 00 Telefax number : +386 (1) 369 75 63.”