Child Maintenance & Support

How do I get child maintenance payments?

There are three ways maintenance payments can be agreed:

1. Mutual Agreement: this is when both you and your partner come to an agreement as to how much maintenance needs to be paid and how frequently. Parties are not bound by this agreement, but it is the most cost-effective way to settle matters.
2. Child Maintenance Service: this is a government scheme that calculates the maintenance payment for you. Should your ex-partner refuse to pay, maintenance can be deducted directly from their wage.
3. Family Court Order: The court has the power to make an order setting out how much your ex-partner is required to pay and how frequently.

Child Maintenance is usually paid up until the child or children turn 16. This can be extended to either the age of 18 or 20, depending on their circumstances and whether they wish to pursue higher education.

Child Arrangement Orders can be modified easily as your circumstances change. This could be when either of your re-marry if you start earning a higher amount or if you lose your job and can no longer afford to contribute towards the maintenance of your child.

How much financial support will the children get?

All new claims for child maintenance payments are governed by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). You can work out an estimate of how much you or your former partner is expected to pay using the gov.uk child maintenance calculator.

Child maintenance rates

Non-resident parents earning up to £800.00 per week will pay:

• With one child: 12% of gross income
• With two children: 16% of gross income
• With three or more children 19% of gross income

Non-resident parents earning between £800.01 and £3000 per week will pay:

• With one child: 9% of gross income
• With two children: 12% of gross income
• With three or more children 15% of gross income

The above payments may vary in circumstances where the non-resident parent has care of the children during the week (joint custody)

Why choose Westridge Legal?

Our team of family lawyers are aware of the sensitivity and complexity involved in child maintenance and support matters. We understand that every individual and child requires different care and are here to support you.

Our highly experienced lawyers will guide and support you every step of the way to ensure that the best outcome is achieved with minimal disruption to your life.

If you wish to speak about your options directly with our specialist staff, please contact us on 0121 724 0302 to book a consultation today.