News


Changes to Child Maintenance

3rd July, 2014

Yesterday (May 21st) it was announced that the government will soon be sending roughly 50,000 letters to single parents throughout the UK, to advise them of changes to their child maintenance arrangements.

Traditionally, child maintenance is paid to the parent who takes care of any children from the relationship, on a day-to-day basis; with many separated parents relying on the Child Support Agency to settle maintenance disputes.

However, ministers have suggested that such a system is not only costly, but also removes parental responsibility and encourages “conflict and hostility”, and as such, they have announced the new system which is set to be introduced later this year.

Under the new system, separated parents will be required to agree child maintenance arrangements amicably, or face a charge; which will equate to the non-resident parent paying a 20 percent charge on their child maintenance; whilst the other parent will lose four percent of the child maintenance.

The letters being sent out by the government will also advise parents of a £20 fee to register for the new scheme.

As family law solicitors in Lincoln, we understand and appreciate that there are times when agreeing child maintenance may not be straight forward, and in these instances our family law team are able to assist.

Our family law solicitors are experienced in helping clients apply for court orders requesting child maintenance is paid by the parent in question; whilst we are also experienced in helping couples come to an amicable agreement – and to find out how we can assist you in such situations, contact our family law team today.

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We can help you with all aspects of family law from children’s issues, financial issues, divorce and separation to pre-nuptial agreements.

01522 516 500
enquiries@dianegenders.co.uk