Child Maintenance

What is child maintenance?

Child maintenance is financial support intended to contribute towards the costs of raising a child when parents live separately.

Disputes may arise regarding payment levels, missed payments, changes in circumstances or disagreements about financial responsibility.

Common child maintenance issues

• Missed or irregular payments.
• Changes in income.
• Self-employment income disputes.
• Shared care arrangements.
• Historic arrears.
• Enforcement concerns.
• Disagreements regarding financial responsibility.

Information commonly required

• Details of the child or children involved.
• Current living arrangements.
• Income information.
• Payment history.
• Details of any previous agreements.
• Correspondence regarding maintenance.
• Information about arrears or disputes.

Resolving maintenance disputes

Many disputes can be resolved through communication and clarification of financial circumstances. More complex cases may require specialist legal review.

Having organised records and a clear timeline can help a practitioner assess the situation efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is child maintenance separate from divorce?

Yes. Child maintenance concerns financial support for children and can arise whether parents were married or not.

What if payments stop?

Keeping records of payments, communications and missed payments is often important.

Can arrangements change?

Changes in income, living arrangements or care responsibilities may affect maintenance issues.