Equality and Best Interests of the Child in the Context of Child Support Adjustment Incidents in Ecuador

Main Article Content

María Valentina Moreira-Santos
Samuel Morales-Castro

Abstract

In the Ecuadorian context, the modification of child support payments ignites significant debates about equity and the welfare of children. This study focused on analyzing perceptions regarding these aspects in the context of reductions and increases in child support payments. Employing a mixed-methodology approach, quantitative and qualitative techniques were combined to explore current legal practices and perceptions. Statistical analyses were conducted to document prevalent practices, and semi-structured interviews were carried out to delve into the causes and effects of judicial decisions, maintaining a rigorous ethical standard in data handling. The findings indicate that although there is an awareness of the need to prioritize the welfare of the child, judicial decisions are disproportionately influenced by the economic conditions of the parents, which may not align with the best interests of the child. It concludes that there is a lack of uniformity in the application of the law, suggesting an urgent need for reforms that strengthen the equity and justice of the legal system to effectively protect and promote the rights and welfare of children in Ecuador.

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How to Cite
Moreira-Santos , M. ., & Morales-Castro , S. . (2024). Equality and Best Interests of the Child in the Context of Child Support Adjustment Incidents in Ecuador. 593 Digital Publisher CEIT, 9(5), 454-473. https://doi.org/10.33386/593dp.2024.5.2614
Section
Investigaciones /estudios empíricos
Author Biographies

María Valentina Moreira-Santos , Consejo de la Judicatura - Ecuador

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0585-5182

Lawyer of the Courts and Tribunals of the Republic of Ecuador, Master in Constitutional Law, Catholic University of Ecuador, Manabí, Public official of the Judicial Function in the Judicial Unit of Family, Women, Children and Adolescents of Portoviejo, in the capacity of Judicial Assistant, Ecuador. Graduated with a Master's Degree in Procedural Law from the Bolivarian University of Ecuador. 

Samuel Morales-Castro , Universidad Bolivariana de Ecuador - Ecuador

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1753-2516

Graduate in History and Law, Specialist in Civil Law and Doctor in Legal Sciences, PhD, from the University of Havana; Degree in Law, Master in International Trade Law, Expert in Trial Litigation Techniques, Master's Degree in the Practice of Law, from the International University of La Rioja, Spain. Master in Maritime Law from the Abat Oliba University, CEU. Lawyer from the University of Otavalo in Ecuador. Doctor in Legal and Political Sciences from the Pablo de Olavide University of Seville, PhD. Undergraduate and postgraduate teacher at the Bolivarian University of Ecuador. Coordinator of the UBE Legal Office. Accredited researcher in different institutions. 

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