Malaysia has no fixed maintenance formula — courts weigh the children's needs against each parent's means. This estimator produces the income-proportionate range that anchors most negotiations, so you walk into discussions with a defensible number.
School fees, tuition, food, clothing, medical, a fair share of housing and utilities.
Enter 0 if the other parent has no income.
There is no statutory formula for child maintenance in Malaysia. Under sections 92 and 93 of the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976, both parents have a duty to maintain their children, and the court assesses the children's reasonable needs against each parent's means. Judges look at actual, evidenced expenses — school and tuition fees, food, medical needs, housing — and each parent's earning capacity, not just declared salary.
This estimator uses the approach courts commonly find persuasive: establish the children's genuine monthly needs, then apportion them between the parents in proportion to income. It is an anchoring figure for negotiation or mediation, not a prediction of any court order.
Maintenance generally runs until the child turns 18, but section 95 extends it where the child is under a disability or is pursuing further or higher education or training — so support commonly continues through university. Orders can be varied later if either parent's circumstances materially change, and unpaid maintenance can be enforced as a judgment debt.
This tool gives you the numbers. Our lawyers in Cheras, Selangor can advise on your specific situation. Free legal advice and quote via WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Us NowNo. Unlike some countries, Malaysia has no percentage-of-income formula. The court weighs the children's reasonable needs against both parents' means under sections 92–93 of the LRA 1976, and every case turns on its evidence.
Generally until the child turns 18. Under section 95 of the LRA 1976, maintenance continues beyond 18 if the child has a physical or mental disability or is undergoing further or higher education or training — commonly until the completion of a first degree.
Courts accept evidenced, genuine expenses: school and tuition fees, food, clothing, medical and dental costs, transport, and a fair proportion of household costs like rent and utilities. Inflated or unsubstantiated claims damage credibility, so keep receipts.
Yes. Either parent can apply to vary the order on a material change of circumstances — job loss, significant pay rise, new medical needs, or changed living arrangements. Until varied, the existing order remains enforceable in full.
A maintenance order can be enforced like a judgment debt — through judgment debtor summons, attachment of earnings, seizure of assets, or committal proceedings in appropriate cases. Keep records of every missed payment and act early rather than letting arrears build.
This tool provides general information based on current Malaysian legislation and publicly available figures. It is not legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Figures may change; verify with the relevant authority or consult a lawyer for your specific circumstances.