What is child maintenance?
Child maintenance is regular, reliable financial support that helps towards the child’s everyday living costs. The parent who does not have main day-to-day care of the child (the non-resident parent) pays child maintenance to the parent who does have main day-to-day care (the parent with care). In some cases, this person can be a grandparent or guardian.
How can child maintenance be arranged?
There are three ways you can arrange to pay or receive child maintenance:
- through a Private Agreement
- through a statutory arrangement, provided by the Child Support Agency
- through a court order
Where can I get information about my options?
The Child Maintenance Options service provides impartial information and support for separating parents.
To speak to someone today call 0800 988 0988 or visit www.cmoptions.org.
