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Child Maintenance Guidance

Helping separated parents understand their financial responsibilities

Child maintenance is the financial support one parent provides to the other to help cover the everyday costs of raising a child. It’s a key part of many family-focused divorces, and while it's often agreed informally, it helps to understand how it works legally and financially. At Online Divorce Solicitors UK, we guide you through the process of setting up a fair, appropriate arrangement — whether you handle it privately or through the Child Maintenance Service.

We do not collect payments or enforce maintenance, but we explain your options and how to factor maintenance into your divorce settlement or parenting agreement.

What is child maintenance?

Child maintenance covers things like food, clothing, housing, and everyday needs. It’s usually paid by the parent who doesn’t have main day-to-day care. The amount depends on income, how much time the child spends with each parent, and whether there are other children involved.

Types of arrangements

Private agreement – you and your ex decide the amount and payment method
Family-based agreement – written or verbal understanding without government involvement
Child Maintenance Service (CMS) – government-run system for calculating and enforcing payments

We explain the pros and cons of each approach and help you decide which is best for your situation.

Why it matters in divorce

While child maintenance is technically separate from the divorce itself, courts expect separating parents to make reasonable financial provision for their children. A clear maintenance plan supports your child arrangement agreement and avoids future disputes.

How we can help

Explain your legal responsibilities
Help estimate fair payment levels using the CMS formula
Support you in including maintenance terms in your parenting plan
Answer common questions about income, self-employment, and payment options
Clarify how maintenance works with Universal Credit or benefits

This guidance is included with our family-focused services or can be provided separately if you’re finalising child arrangements on your own.

Services

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday 9 AM – 7 PM

Saturday – Sunday9 AM – 1 PM

Urgent Legal Help

0330 900 0377

Speak to a solicitor now if you need urgent support with your divorce or family situation.

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Contact us today and a solicitor will respond with the support you need.

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People Say

I was nervous about starting the process, but Online Divorce Solicitors made everything simple. Clear pricing, great communication, and no court stress at all.
– S. Thompson
I didn’t know where to begin, but the team explained every step clearly. Online Divorce Solicitors made a tough process feel manageable.
– K. Patel
Fast, professional, and no hidden costs. The fixed-fee service was exactly what I needed. Thank you to Online Divorce Solicitors for the support.
– L. Ahmed
I felt supported throughout. Emails were answered quickly, and everything was handled online. I would recommend Online Divorce Solicitors without hesitation.
– R. Collins
Clear, honest, and very professional. The clean break order was explained in simple terms, and the whole divorce was finalised with no drama.
– M. Brookes
Online Divorce Solicitors did exactly what they promised. No unnecessary phone calls or delays, just straightforward, solicitor-led service from start to finish.
– H. Fraser
I appreciated the personal approach. It wasn’t just a form-filling exercise — I felt like they really listened and cared about my situation.
– J. Lewis
Everything was handled quickly and professionally. The whole process was online, which made it much easier while working full time.
– A. Russell
I used the service for a joint application, and it was incredibly smooth. Online Divorce Solicitors made it as stress-free as possible.
– D. Mistry
Really impressed with how clearly everything was explained. I never felt rushed or unsure. This was a brilliant alternative to traditional firms.
– C. Bennett

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