Updated for the Family Code framework and current Philippine court practice. This is general information and not a substitute for legal advice tailored to your facts.

1) What “support” means under Philippine law

Under the Family Code of the Philippines (Arts. 194–208), support is everything indispensable for subsistence—food, shelter, clothing, medical and dental care, education (including transportation and school-related expenses), and, when appropriate, training for a profession. Key principles:

Who must support whom. Parents owe support to their children—legitimate or illegitimate—and children may demand support from either or both parents.
Based on needs and means. The amount is proportionate to the child’s needs and the parent’s resources. There is no fixed percentage.
When it starts. Support is demandable from the time need arises but becomes payable only from the date of judicial or extra-judicial demand (e.g., a written demand letter, barangay complaint, or a filed court case).
Cash or in kind. Courts may order cash, in-kind, or a combination (e.g., direct tuition payment).
Adjustable. Support may be increased or reduced as circumstances change (job loss, illness, increased school costs, etc.).
Continuing obligation. Support generally continues beyond age 18 if the child is still in school and/or not self-supporting, or has a disability that prevents self-support.

2) Typical pathways to obtain child support

You can pursue support through one or more of these routes; many families start informally, then escalate if needed.

A. Extra-judicial demand and settlement

Send a formal demand letter specifying (i) your legal basis, (ii) the child’s detailed monthly needs, (iii) proposed amount/schedule, and (iv) a deadline to comply.
Useful to start the clock for support becoming payable and to show good faith.
Can be accompanied by mediation with the barangay (see below), the DSWD, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), or private mediators.

B. Katarungang Pambarangay (Barangay) conciliation

If you and the other parent live in the same city/municipality, barangay conciliation is generally a mandatory pre-condition before going to court (with exceptions).
Outcome can be a written settlement (with the force of a final judgment). If no settlement, the barangay issues a Certificate to File Action so you can proceed to court.
Exemptions from barangay conciliation include: parties living in different cities/municipalities, cases requiring urgent relief, and certain cases involving violence.

C. Protection Orders under the Anti-VAWC law (R.A. 9262)

If there is violence or economic abuse (e.g., deliberate deprivation of support), you may seek a Temporary/Permanent Protection Order in court. Protection orders can include child support as part of urgent relief, along with custody/visitation terms and stay-away directives.
A Barangay Protection Order (BPO) addresses harassment/threats but support is usually granted via court-issued TPO/PPO.

D. Independent civil action for support in the Family Court

File a complaint for support (or support and recognition if paternity is contested) in the designated Family Court (Regional Trial Court) where the child resides or where the defendant resides.
Ask for Support Pendente Lite (interim support) via Rule 61—a fast, provisional order while the case is pending.
The case proceeds through service of summons, pre-trial, mediation/JDR, trial, and judgment. Orders are enforceable by execution (including garnishment consistent with wage-protection rules—support is a recognized exception).

3) Core requirements (documents and evidence)

Prepare as many of the following as applicable. Bring originals and photocopies:

Proof of filiation
- Birth certificate (PSA). If father acknowledged: his details/signature on the certificate or Affidavit of Admission of Paternity (AAP)/Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father (AUSF).
- If paternity is denied/disputed: evidence of open and continuous possession of status (photos, messages, schooling records, benefits forms), admissions in public/private documents, or seek DNA testing under the Rules on DNA Evidence.
Proof of parental capacity (the payor’s means)
- Payslips, BIR ITR/2316, business permits, bank statements, vehicle registrations, property titles, social media posts regarding employment/business, lifestyle evidence, etc.
Proof of the child’s needs
- School assessments/tuition statements, receipts for uniforms/books, medical records/prescriptions, rent/share of utilities, food/groceries, transportation, internet for schooling, childcare.
ID and residence documents for you and the child.
Prior demands/records
- Demand letters, barangay records, chat/email threads, previous remittances.
Special circumstances
- Disability/medical certifications, proof of continued schooling (Form 137/registration).

4) How to file in the Family Court (step-by-step)

Draft your pleadings.
- Verified Complaint for Support (or Support with Recognition/Custody as needed). State facts establishing filiation, needs, and the other parent’s capacity. Include a prayer for Support Pendente Lite (Rule 61) with a proposed budget matrix.
- Certification against forum shopping and Verification (signed and notarized).
- Annexes: documents in Section 3.
Filing and fees.
- File in the proper Family Court. Indigent litigants may apply for PAO representation and exemption from docket/legal fees.
Raffle and summons.
- The court raffles the case and issues summons to the defendant.
Interim support hearing.
- On your verified motion with affidavits and budget, the court may issue an Order for Support Pendente Lite. This can cover tuition, a fixed monthly allowance, and medical needs, effective immediately subject to posting (when required).
Pre-trial and mediation/JDR.
- The court will require pre-trial briefs and attempt settlement; any agreement is embodied in a judgment on compromise.
Trial and final judgment.
- If no settlement, the court receives evidence and renders a Decision fixing support and terms (amount, mode, due date, escalation/adjustment, and how to share expenses between parents).
Enforcement.
- Through writ of execution, garnishment (support qualifies as an exception to wage-execution limitations), levy on non-exempt property, and indirect contempt for willful non-compliance. Courts may direct employers to withhold and remit fixed sums.

5) If paternity is denied or unclear

You may combine an action for support with compulsory recognition (filiation) or file a separate recognition case.
The court can order DNA testing (typically cost-shared or shouldered by the party requesting, subject to allocation in the judgment).
Provisional support may still be granted if evidence strongly indicates filiation and need.

6) How amounts are computed (practical guide)

There is no fixed formula; courts look at (A) the child’s reasonable monthly needs and (B) each parent’s means, then apportion. A common approach:

Make a line-item budget of the child’s needs (monthlyized):
- Food, housing share, utilities/internet share, transport, healthcare/insurance, school fees/supplies, extracurriculars, devices needed for school, childcare.
Determine each parent’s capacity: salaries, business income, perks, assets, and financial obligations.
Propose a fair split (e.g., 60/40, 70/30) reflecting means, with direct payments for big-ticket items (tuition, insurance) to ensure funds go where intended.
Include escalation/adjustment terms (e.g., annual review at start of school year; automatic adjustment when tuition changes).

Tip: Attach receipts/quotations and show before/after budgets to justify interim vs. final amounts.

7) Special contexts and FAQs

Illegitimate children are entitled to support just like legitimate children. Issues about surname or custody do not erase the duty of support.
Child is already 18. If still studying or unable to be self-supporting, the child (or parent-custodian) can continue to claim support.
In-kind support vs. cash. Courts may require a mix (e.g., direct payment to the school + monthly stipend).
Missed payments/arrears. You can collect from the date of your first demand (written or barangay/court filing). Payments before demand are typically not collectible as arrears.
Parent is overseas. You can still sue in the Philippine Family Court. Enforce against local assets, bank accounts, or income remitted via local banks/employers. If enforcement abroad is necessary, coordination depends on the foreign jurisdiction (the Philippines is not party to the Hague Child Support Convention), so local enforcement avenues are prioritized.
Tax. Child support is not taxable income to the child/recipient.
Non-payment as a crime? Pure “non-support” is generally not a standalone crime, but economic abuse under R.A. 9262 may be criminally actionable when tied to intimate partner violence against a woman and her child. Separately, abandonment offenses under the Revised Penal Code may apply in extreme scenarios.

8) Model timeline (civil action route)

Week 0–1: Draft and send demand letter (or file at the barangay if same city/municipality).
Week 2–4: If no settlement, file in Family Court; request Support Pendente Lite.
Month 2–3: Interim support order after summary hearing.
Month 3–9+: Mediation/JDR; if unsuccessful, proceed to trial and final judgment. (Timelines vary by court docket and case complexity.)

9) Practical checklists

Filing packet

Verified Complaint for Support (+ optional recognition/custody)
Motion for Support Pendente Lite (Rule 61) with budget matrix
Verification & Certification against Forum Shopping
Child’s PSA Birth Certificate and proofs of filiation
Evidence of the child’s needs (bills/receipts/quotes)
Evidence of payor’s means (payslips, ITR, business docs)
Copies of demand/barangay records
IDs and proof of address
PAO indigency papers (if applicable)

Evidence planning

What the child needs (why each item is necessary)
How much each item costs (docs attached)
How the other parent can pay (income/assets)
Why interim support is urgent (e.g., tuition due, medication)

10) Sample extra-judicial demand letter (template)

Re: Demand for Child Support of [Child’s Full Name], born [DOB]

Dear [Parent’s Name],

I am writing to formally demand child support for our child, [Child’s Name], consistent with the Family Code.

The child’s monthly needs total ₱[amount], broken down as follows: – Food: ₱___ – Housing/utilities share: ₱___ – Education (tuition, books, fees): ₱___ – Transportation: ₱___ – Medical/insurance: ₱___ – Other school needs/extracurriculars: ₱___

Based on your income and resources known to me, I propose that you pay ₱[proposed amount] per month, due every [day], plus direct payment of [e.g., tuition/insurance]. Kindly start payment by [date] and coordinate on proof of remittance.

If I do not receive payment or a reasonable proposal within [7/10/15] days, I will pursue barangay conciliation and/or file a case in the Family Court, including a request for support pendente lite.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Address / Contact]

11) Common pitfalls

No written demand. Without it, you may lose months of collectible arrears.
Under-documenting needs. Bring receipts/quotes and keep them updated.
Ignoring capacity shifts. File to modify if the payor’s means/child’s needs change materially.
Overlooking venue/conciliation rules. Confirm if barangay conciliation is required before court filing.
Relying solely on cash. For school/medical items, ask for direct pay to reduce disputes.

12) Where to get help

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for qualified indigent clients.
DSWD / LGU social workers for mediation and referrals.
IBP Legal Aid or private counsel for complex cases (e.g., disputed paternity, overseas payor, high-asset defendants).

Bottom line

To secure child support efficiently: document the child’s budget, formally demand, use barangay/mediation when applicable, and—if needed—file in the Family Court with a motion for Support Pendente Lite. Build your case around clear proof of needs and the payor’s capacity, and be ready to revise amounts as circumstances evolve.