Child Financial Support
Understanding child maintenance obligations for all families, regardless of marital status.
Whether you are married, in a civil partnership, or not, all parents share a responsibility to financially support their children. The approach can vary depending on family circumstances, but the principle remains the same: children’s needs come first.
Child Maintenance
Every parent must contribute to their child’s upbringing. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) provides a formula to calculate payments—this sets a minimum amount, not a maximum. You can use the CMS calculator to estimate what you may pay or receive.
Courts will only step in where:
A parent earns more than £156,000 per year (before tax), or
A parent lives abroad.
Housing and Living Arrangements
Where children live—and how this is funded—is central to financial provision.
Married or civil partner families can resolve all financial claims in a single settlement, including housing and child maintenance (if agreed).
This allows parents’ and children’s needs to be considered together, often simplifying the process.
The law prioritises the needs of children under 18. Continuity is also important: housing arrangements should, where possible, allow children to remain in familiar schools, friendships, and routines.
Other Claims
Depending on circumstances, courts may also order contributions to additional costs such as:
School fees
University-related expenses
Specialist care needs
These claims can apply whether parents are married or not.
Timing
It’s best to resolve financial claims for children as early as possible, and certainly before a child turns 18. After this point, claims are generally limited, though some exceptions exist (such as ongoing university costs).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other parent won’t let me see the children?
Child contact and financial support are separate issues. Maintenance must still be paid regardless of contact.
What if my ex is self-employed and hides income?
The CMS relies on HMRC tax returns for self-employed parents. You can challenge an assessment if you believe it doesn’t reflect their true income.
Do I need a court order?
No, child maintenance is normally dealt with by the CMS. Courts only intervene where the parent earns over £156,000 annually or lives abroad.
The CMS figure doesn’t cover all expenses—can I apply for more?
CMS payments are a contribution, not a full budget. Any shortfall usually falls to the parent with day-to-day care. If you were married to the paying parent, spousal maintenance may sometimes help bridge the gap.
Can I control how child maintenance is spent?
No. The receiving parent decides how the money is used.
Will support for my other children be considered?
Yes. The CMS takes into account your existing commitments and the amount of time your children spend with you.
Useful Links
📞 Call us today on +447831533143 or complete our Online Enquiry Form – and let us help you move forward with confidence.
Child Maintenance Guidelines
The guidance provided helped me understand my responsibilities as a parent, ensuring my children receive the support they need, regardless of our relationship status.
John D.
★★★★★
