Child Maintenance explained

A common consideration for parents when they are separating is about child maintenance. Common questions include:

• What is child maintenance?

• Will I be able to claim child maintenance?

• How much child maintenance will I get?

• How do I sort out child maintenance?

Let’s work through these questions.

Q. What is child maintenance?

A. Child maintenance is a sum of money paid by a parent of a child to the other parent to cover the child’s living costs.

Q. Will I be able to claim child maintenance?

A. You may be able to reach an agreement with the other parent for them to pay maintenance direct to you, irrespective of the circumstances. If you are unable to agree, don’t wish to discuss with your ex or feel more comfortable doing things more formally, you can consider using the Child Maintenance Service. Their website sets out their eligibility requirements. You can access this here.

Q. How do I sort out child maintenance?

A. You can try to reach an agreement directly with your ex about maintenance. This could then be transferred directly to your bank account by your former partner.

A lot of families choose to use the Child Maintenance Service to calculate how much child maintenance they will need to be paid. You can access the Child Maintenance calculator here. If necessary, the Child Maintenance Service can facilitate collection from your former partner and payment to you. More information on this can be found here.

Alternatively you can seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in this area. You can find a specialist solicitor in your local area here.

Q. How much child maintenance will I get?

A. This depends. If you are using the Child Maintenance Service you can calculate what you are likely to receive using their calculator. You can also agree with your former partner that they will pay a higher amount.

Other families prefer to reach an agreement between themselves. The Child Maintenance Service calculator can be a useful guide and provide a starting point for discussions about how much should be paid.

Some families going through a separation may wish to use a mediator or a solicitor to help them reach an agreement.

Important Note

Please note that this page is not legal advice and should not be constituted as such. If you need legal advice or wish to discuss your options please contact a specialist solicitor.