Parents who do not live with their children are required under German law to pay child support. If they don't pay their child support, the other parent can claim "advance maintenance" from the government for up to 72 months. Although the "advance maintenance" payment varies from family to family, it usually is not enough to solely support a parent and child.
References
"Germany Country Summary."2004. Columbia University: The Clearinghouse on International Developments in Child, Youth, and Family Policies, Retrieved 10/24/2006 (www.childpolicyintl.org).
