The Republic of Cyprus has acceded to the Convention on the Recovery Abroad of Maintenance, signed in New York on 20 June 1956. The Ratification Law is 50/78. In implementing this convention, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order has been designated as the Central Authority and cooperates with counterpart central authorities in other Contracting States.

The object of the convention is: To facilitate the recovery of maintenance by a person who is entitled to receive it (claimant) from another person who owes maintenance (respondent) but who is located in another country.

With Cyprus’ accession to the European Union, the Republic is bound by the Council Regulation (EC) No 4/2009 on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and cooperation in matters relating to maintenance obligations, which entered into force on 18 June 2011.

General Information

Central Authority

Ministry of Justice and Public Order
International Legal Cooperation Unit
125 Athalassas Ave.
1461 Nicosia
Cyprus

Ms Troodia Dionysiou
International Legal Cooperation Unit
Ministry of Justice and Public Order
Tel: (+357) 22805932
Fax: (+357) 22518328
Email: tdionysiou@mjpo.gov.cy

Ms Constandina Sophocleous
International Legal Cooperation Unit
Ministry of Justice and Public Order
Tel: (+357) 22805973
Fax: (+357) 22518328
Email: csophocleous@mjpo.gov.cy

Relevant links:

- European e-Justice Portal

- Hague Protocol of 23 November 2007

- Hague Convention

- ARCHIVED European Judicial ATLAS website (closed on 30 September 2017)

Procedure for Completing Applications for Recognition and Enforcement of a Maintenance Decision in other Member States under Regulation EC 4/2009

General information on completing applications:

A. Application for the recognition, declaration of enforceability or enforcement of a decision in matters relating to maintenance obligations (Annex VI)

B. Application to obtain a decision or have modified a decision in matters relating to maintenance obligations (Annex VII)

Procedure for completing an Application for Recognition and Enforcement of a Maintenance Decision to non-EU States under the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007

The link to useful information on completing applications is provided below:

https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/specialised-sections/child-support

Compulsory forms to accompany the application (provided below for easy reference).

- Transmittal Form Annex I

- Application for Recognition or Recognition and Enforcement

- Restricted Information on the Applicant

- Statement of Enforceability of a Decision

- Abstract of a Decision

- Statement of Maintenance Arrears

- Statement of Proper Notice

- Financial Circumstances Form

Procedure for completing applications for Recognition and Enforcement of a Maintenance decision by other Member States under (EC) 4/2009 & the Hague Convention of 23/11/2007

Procedure for completing applications for recognition and enforcement of a maintenance decision by other Member States under Regulation (EC) 4/2009 and the Hague Convention of 23 November 2007

The same procedure as above is followed, with the addition of an ’Affidavit" to the mandatory documents. This procedure is governed by the provisions of the National Law under the ‘Parents and Children Relations Laws of 1990-2008 (L.216/90)’, as amended or replaced. and the domestic Court Rules as described in the provisions of article 124A (1) of the Criminal Procedure Rules Cap 155, and in accordance with the provisions of Article 41(1) of Regulation (EC) No 4/2009 and 32(1) of Hague Convention of 23 November 2007.

As such, to render a decision enforceable, the applicant will have to make an "Affidavit" before an Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the country of the applicant’s residence, either before a competent officer who is authorised to administer oaths (e.g. in the presence of a Judge of the local court or in a Notary) (the relevant form is attached).

In addition, the applicant should provide an updated table of monthly amounts due and paid each month and the amount of arrears carried forward, calculated in Euros and attach it to the affidavit as exhibit marked as such. The final total amount of arrears outstanding should be as of the end of last month.

Please note that the affidavit should be duly completed by the applicant and then signed and sworn before an Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the Requesting Central Authority or in the presence of a Judge of the local Court or in a Notary in the Requesting Central Authority.

Note that this form is merely a sample meant to assist the applicant. Therefore, the applicant is entitled to make additions or changes to the form.

- Sample of Affidavit 1.
- Sample of Affidavit 2.
- Sample of Affidavit for Adults.