When parents separate, one of the most important issues to resolve is how to support their children financially. In the UK, this is usually managed through child maintenance – a regular payment made by the parent who doesn’t live with the child most of the time to the parent who does.
But what exactly does child maintenance cover? And are there any costs it doesn’t include?
In this article, we explore what child maintenance is designed to pay for, what it doesn’t cover and how parents can manage additional expenses. You’ll also find out how to get a free 30-minute consultation with a solicitor if you need help understanding your rights or arranging a fair agreement.
What is child maintenance?
Child maintenance is a financial arrangement that ensures both parents contribute towards their child’s upbringing after separation. Payments are typically made by the non-resident parent to help with the day-to-day costs of raising the child.
Arrangements can be made privately between parents or managed by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) if an agreement can’t be reached.
What does child maintenance pay for?
Child maintenance is intended to cover everyday living expenses related to the child’s care and wellbeing. This includes:
- Housing costs such as rent, mortgage contributions and utility bills
- Food and groceries
- Clothing and shoes for everyday use
- School essentials such as uniforms, books and travel
- Basic childcare needs, toys and household items the child uses
The idea is to help the resident parent provide a stable, comfortable environment for the child, covering routine expenses rather than occasional extras.
What is not included in standard child maintenance?
There are several expenses that child maintenance payments do not usually cover, particularly those that are irregular or considered additional. These may include:
- Nursery or after-school childcare fees
- Private school tuition or private tutors
- Holidays and international travel
- Extracurricular activities like sports clubs, music lessons or dance classes
- One-off items such as a new bed, bike or laptop
These additional costs are often a source of disagreement between separated parents. Some choose to split these costs outside the main child maintenance payments or include them in a wider financial agreement.
How is child maintenance calculated?
If the Child Maintenance Service is involved, they will calculate the amount based on the gross income of the paying parent, as well as:
- How many children they support
- How often the children stay overnight with them
- Whether they have other children living in their household
The CMS uses a tiered system to work out payments, ranging from a flat rate to a basic rate, depending on income level. In cases where the paying parent earns more than £3,000 per week, a court application for a top-up order may be necessary.
Can parents agree to pay more?
Yes. Parents are free to make a private agreement that exceeds the CMS-calculated amount, especially if they want to contribute to private education, clubs or holidays. These family-based arrangements are flexible and can be tailored to a child’s specific needs but they are not legally binding unless turned into a court order.
What if the paying parent isn’t contributing fairly?
If you’re not receiving enough to meet your child’s needs or aren’t receiving payments at all, there are steps you can take:
- Apply to the CMS for a formal assessment
- Speak to a solicitor to understand your legal options
- Request a top-up order if your ex’s income exceeds CMS thresholds
- Ask the CMS to enforce payment through wage deductions or legal action if they’re avoiding payments
If you’re unsure about how far back a claim for child maintenance can be made, read this article: How Far Back Can Child Maintenance (CSA) Be Claimed?
What happens in shared care situations?
When both parents share care relatively equally, the amount of maintenance may be reduced or not required at all. However, shared care doesn’t always mean shared costs.
Parents often agree to split expenses like:
- School trips and residentials
- Club memberships and weekend activities
- Technology like mobile phones or tablets
Clarity is key. Even if things are amicable, it helps to document who pays for what to avoid disputes in the future.
Should you get legal advice?
If you’re struggling to agree on child maintenance or need help recovering missed payments, speaking to a divorce and family law solicitor can help you understand your rights and take the next steps. Legal advice can also be useful if you want to formalise a voluntary agreement or apply to the court for additional support.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your case. Contact us today via the form below, call 0203 983 5080 or email [email protected] to speak with a local divorce solicitor near you. We can speak with you via video call or welcome you to one of our local offices in London (Harrow, Canary Wharf or Piccadilly Circus) or Manchester City Centre.
