Child Maintenance
Child maintenance has featured in the news in recent weeks, as
ministers consult on proposed changes in England, Scotland and
Wales which they say will "better support families" to make lasting
arrangements and will save the taxpayer money. Certain aspects of
the proposals have generated considerable controversy:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12174121
When parents separate, child maintenance is the regular
financial support paid by the parent who is not living with the
children to the parent who is the main carer. For many single
parent families, it is an essential form of support.
There are a number of ways to set up arrangements for child
maintenance, which will depend on each family's circumstances. Some
families will be able to come to a private agreement regarding how
much maintenance should be paid; others will require the
involvement of the Child Support Agency or the courts.
When couples break up, accessing the right legal advice can help
to take some of the uncertainty and worry out of the situation. We
can advise you on how much maintenance you or your ex-partner
should be paying. If appropriate to your circumstances, we can
assist you in drawing up a private agreement. We can also assist
you with any queries relating to the Child Support Agency.
For specialist legal advice on any child maintenance issues,
please contact our Family Law Team.