El derecho de alimentos en el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano

The right to alimony constitutes an essential legal institution within Ecuadorian family law, as it is directly linked to the protection of human dignity, the right to life, and the comprehensive development of vulnerable groups. This article analyzes the right to alimony of children, adolescents, and pregnant women in Ecuador through a critical review of its historical evolution, current legal framework, and the main challenges related to its application in judicial practice. Using a qualitative and documentary research approach, the study examines constitutional and legal provisions, as well as international human rights instruments that support this right, with particular emphasis on the principle of the best interests of the child as a guiding criterion for legal interpretation. Additionally, reflections derived from judicial practice are incorporated, allowing for a comparison between the normative framework and its practical implementation in alimony proceedings. The findings reveal that, although the Ecuadorian legal system broadly recognizes the right to alimony and provides mechanisms of reinforced protection, significant challenges remain regarding the proportionality of alimony payments, the real economic capacity of the obligor, the treatment of subsidiary obligors, and the response to emerging social realities. In this context, the study highlights the need for a balanced and reasonable interpretation that ensures the well-being of the beneficiary without disproportionately affecting other fundamental rights, thereby strengthening the effectiveness and equity of the alimony protection system in Ecuador.