Statistics reveal that lone parenthood in Malta is on the increase. Data published by the National Statistics Office demonstrates that lone-parent households with dependent children are at the greatest risk of poverty and social exclusion. This goes to show the paramount importance of child support payment. It turns out that receipt of child support tends to enhance child development on many fronts, including children’s health, education achievements as well as from an emotional and social viewpoint. In terms of the Maltese Civil Code, child support or maintenance, as it is more commonly referred to, includes food, clothing, health, habitation and education. On various occasions, Maltese courts have reiterated that with respect to maintenance obligations, domestic law does not differentiate between children of a married couple and those of unmarried partners.