Child-maintenance agreement template (Uganda)
In brief
A precedent agreement between parents on the amount and mode of maintaining a child.
When to use this
When parents agree maintenance terms and want them in writing.
When a bespoke document is needed instead: Where agreement is impossible — apply to the Family and Children Court for an order.
The template
A precedent only. Replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your own details; it contains no real party data. Have it reviewed before use.
Title
CHILD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
Date & parties
THIS AGREEMENT is made on [DATE]
BETWEEN [PARENT A FULL NAME], of [ADDRESS]
AND [PARENT B FULL NAME], of [ADDRESS] (together “the Parents”),
in respect of [CHILD NAME(S)], born on [DATE(S)] (“the Child / Children”).
1. Maintenance payment
1.1 [PARENT] shall pay UGX [AMOUNT] per month for the maintenance of the Child, by [bank transfer / mobile money] to [account], on or before the [DAY] of each month, from [START DATE].
2. Other costs
2.1 The Parents shall share [school fees / medical / clothing / other] as follows: [TERMS / percentages].
3. Residence & contact
3.1 The Child shall live with [PARENT]; the other Parent shall have contact as follows: [arrangements].
4. Duration & review
4.1 Maintenance continues until the Child reaches 18 (or completes [education]) and the amount may be reviewed [annually / on a material change of circumstances].
5. Welfare & court backstop
5.1 The Parents agree that the welfare of the Child is paramount and that either may apply to the Family and Children Court for a maintenance order if this Agreement breaks down; a court may make or vary an order whatever this Agreement says.
6. Records
6.1 The paying Parent shall keep records of payments, and the receiving Parent shall acknowledge them.
Execution
Parent A: ____________ Date: ________
Parent B: ____________ Date: ________
Witness: ____________ Name & address: ____________
Drafting notes
- Welfare first
- Set an amount that meets the Child’s needs; the welfare of the child is paramount.
- Be specific
- State the amount, the method, the day of the month and the start date — and how shared costs are split.
- Review
- Provide for review on a change of circumstances so the amount keeps pace.
- Court backstop
- Either parent can still apply to the Family and Children Court for an order if the Agreement breaks down.
Execution requirements
- Both Parents sign, with a witness; each keeps a copy.
- A court can make or vary a maintenance order whatever the Agreement says (Children Act s.121).
- Keep records of payments to evidence compliance.
Governing law & citations
Governed by the Children Act, Cap. 62 (2023 Revision), ss.3, 5, 121.
- Children Act, Cap. 62 (2023 Revision) — ss.3, 5, 121.