Decision 6656/2548 (2005): Support Begins When Paternity Is Declared
A foreign father argued that cultural norms in his home country justified delaying child maintenance until he could “personally supervise” the child’s upbringing. The Supreme Court rejected the plea: under section 1564 civil and commercial code the duty to maintain is automatic from the date of legitimation. Monthly payments were ordered retroactively to the filing date.
Practical impact
- No “grace period” after a paternity ruling, payments start immediately.
- Nationality and cultural arguments carry no weight against statutory duty.
- Arrearages accumulate if the father postpones payment.