In a pioneering decision, a family court in Rosario, Argentina, has taken a bold step to address the ongoing issue of non-paying parents by ordering that child support payments be deducted directly from their electricity bills. This ruling was made by the Unipersonal Family Court 11 of Rosario, which tasked the Provincial Energy Company (EPE) with acting as a withholding agent. By including the owed child support amount directly on the electricity bill, the court aims to ensure that children's best interests are upheld in cases of repeated non-compliance by non-custodial parents. The decision signals a new approach to ensuring that financial responsibilities toward children are met.

The court's ruling emphasizes the use of legal provisions under Article 553 of the Civil and Commercial Code, allowing judges to impose reasonable measures to enforce child support payments. By effectively tying these payments to essential services like electricity, the court not only addresses the financial obligations of absent parents but also prioritizes the welfare of children. If the accused parent fails to pay the electricity bill, the court's decision also allows for the disconnection of the service, thus increasing the financial stakes for non-compliance.

This innovative approach could potentially serve as a model for other jurisdictions facing similar challenges in enforcing child support payments. The ruling reflects a growing recognition of the need for creative solutions within the legal system to protect children's rights and ensure that financial support reaches them as required. If successful, this strategy might encourage compliance among other parents reluctant to uphold their child support obligations, ultimately benefiting the children involved.