Child maintenance is the financial support paid by the non-resident parent to the parent with care. In England and Wales, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) administers most child maintenance arrangements.
The CMS calculates maintenance based on the paying parent's gross weekly income and the number of nights the child stays with them. The basic rate is 12% of gross income for one child, 16% for two, and 19% for three or more.
You can apply to the CMS online or by phone. There is a £20 application fee (waived for victims of domestic abuse). The CMS will contact the paying parent and arrange payment through the Collect and Pay service if direct payment is not agreed.
Yes. A family-based arrangement is free and flexible. However, if it breaks down, you can apply to the CMS. Private arrangements are not legally enforceable without a consent order.
The CMS has enforcement powers including deductions from earnings, deductions from bank accounts, and in serious cases, removal of driving licences or imprisonment.
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