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Child Support: Legal Case Studies

By: Lorna Elliott LLB (hons), Barrister - Updated: 7 Feb 2024 |
 
Child Support: Legal Case Studies

Although the majority of child support cases are decided without court intervention, there are occasionally cases of legal significance that go all the way to the Court of Appeal, or even to the House of Lords. Cases that involve human rights issues can also be taken to the European Court of Human Rights or ECtHR.

Re H (Paternity: Blood Test) [1996] 2 F.L.R 65

This was a court of appeal case about paternity in which a married couple could not agree on whether or not to have a blood test to establish the paternity of a child. The couple had been going through marital difficulties and the mother had an affair with a man ten years her junior, for a period between November 1993 and July 1994. She became pregnant in March 1994.

The mother intended to leave her husband but changed her mind and decided to reconcile her marriage. The intention was to raise the child as hers and her husbands but the man with whom she had an affair thought he was the child’s father, and wanted contact and legal parental responsibility for the child. Prior to the affair the husband had undergone a vasectomy operation but had not subsequently been tested to find out whether it had been successful. He and his wife, the mother of the child, had been engaging in sexual intercourse for some time and it had resulted in no conception. The mother refused to consent to blood tests for herself and her child. (Nowadays the paternity test would normally be conducted by inner cheek swab, not blood test.)

Judgment

The court held that it should permit a blood test of a child unless there was evidence to show that the blood test would not be in the interests of that child. Welfare considerations relating to that child were relevant, but not the overriding factor in the decision making process.

The Right to Family Life

The Human Rights Act 1998 brought into law the European Convention on Human Rights of which Article 8, gives a right to respect for private and family life. This means that people have a right to keep private matters in their home and to do with private correspondence. There is an exception to this, in that public authorities can become involved ‘in accordance with the law’ in relation to matters of national security, public safety, to prevent crime and disorder, in the interests of the economic wellbeing of the country, to protect health or morals, or in relation to the rights and freedoms of others. It is this last element “the rights and freedoms of others” and to a lesser extent the provision relating to health and morals, which most greatly impacts on circumstances relating to children and child support. The following case relates to number of Human Rights points.

House of Lords in Secretary of State for Work & Pensions v M (2006)

This mother in this case had two children by her former husband from whom she was divorced. The children spent most of the week with their father, so she was the non-resident parent for child support purposes. The claim for child support related to a period between 2001 and 2002 so the rules relating to calculation for that period applied. These rules calculated that the income and outgoings of the mother’s heterosexual partner could be taken into consideration when calculating the amount of maintenance that she should pay towards her children. However, the mother was in a lesbian relationship, which meant that she was required to pay more than if she had been in a heterosexual relationship.

Judgment

The mother claimed that she was entitled to treat her same-sex partner as a member of her family. Although she succeeded initially in her appeal the case went to the House of Lords who held that the mother’s claim was not an Article 8 case in that she was not claiming that she was being deprived access to her children, or indeed being denied contact with them at the home she shared with her same-sex partner. The court held that her claim was not a valid one and that the CSA under the 1991 Act was able to treat same-sex couples as either two individuals or one family unit.

Paternity and the CSA

Other high-profile cases aren't so significant in terms of the law but still capture media attention due to the perceived injustices of the child maintenance system. A man made the headlines in the UK in 2007 when he donated his sperm to a lesbian couple who then had a child together. He was a friend of the couple and gave his sperm so that they didn’t have to go through a clinic. Because he was the legal father the Child Support Agency was pursuing him for maintenance for the child.

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Can someone help… my husband has two children with his ex partner, both teenagers. They have been separated for 9 years. My husband left the relationship and gave the ex the equity of the house (100k). At the the time I wasn’t on the scene and my husband would pay his ex directly £900 per month as would only have them every other weekend due to working so much. Moving forward. It was decided that my husband and his ex would share custody 50/50, in fact we have the children more, and a verbal agreement was arranged between the two of them that no more money was to be paid to her. A year later the ex moved from her parents into her own property, we still have 50/50 at this stage, and the ex calls the cms and states that she has had no money from my husband for a year. Cms have then through my husbands work taken monthly payments of of 2k a month direct from his wages, leaving us financially buggered. Just recently the cms have stated that although we have them half the time the ex is claiming that she does all the daily care! This is not the case at all and when we have the, we deal with daily care and when she has them she deals with the daily care. How can cma justify taking so much money, when she should not get anything at all. We have been fighting with the cms for months and months and they are completely useless. We have been, more so my husband has been treated so badly. He pays for school dinners bus fares mobile phone contracts , gives them money, we did take them on holiday twice a year, this has stopped because we no longer can afford it and the sad thing is the kids are missing out as they don’t go away with their mum. I get that some women, including my friends who are in a situation with ex partners and they don’t get anything, this is awful and dads should step up, but we feel so persecuted for making good life decisions, working hard, so why should someone who chooses to do limited hours working and expect my husband to top up her income be right all because she chose not to manage money in the past correctly. Dads too are being treated unfairly, if anyone has had similar experiences please advise… we are at our wits end…
Rae - 7-Feb-24 @ 3:29 PM
if anyone can give any insight into how to get a fair result please comment. i have fought my ex in court i have received only £100 from her for the kids, im sill paying her old debts and bringing up the kids (i have had all 4 kids for 18 months now) and am trying to get somewhere with the CMS but although she has an income over £2000 a month she gets benefits and likes to drink every day and smoke weed all day so i will get the flat rate of £7 a month. how can this be the law? i work 40 hours a week, run a house look after 4 kids (aged 7-14) and she just gets mashed and dosent care and dosent see the kids. if anyone has any cases they know of where a variation has been granted in the uk since 2012 (when the legeslation was written) where the non resident pairent was on benifit but was made to pay a more meaningful amount (for three or more kids its 19% of gross income) please comment as proof of such a case would be the difference between my kids having a total of £10,000 over the next 11 years at flat rate or £267,301 at 19% of the mothers actual gross income which would be better spent on raising the children rather than her drugs and alcohol
sean - 11-Dec-20 @ 12:57 PM
My daughter was divorced earlier this year.She and her ex-husband have 2 children (10yo and 7yo), who spend 4 nights per week with her and 3 nights per week with Dad (3 ½ days with each during school holidays).She has only recently applied for Child Maintenance (CM) and asked the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to determine the amount.CMS wrote to Dad, asking him to pay about £500 per month, but reduced this to £284 per month, when they learned that the children spent 3 nights per week with him.So far, so good. The problem now is that Dad is saying that he will not pay a penny more for the care and maintenance of the children.For instance, he is saying that he will not pay for school lunches on the days that the children are with him. The question is:What is he supposed to provide by way of care for his children when they are with him?My daughter’s view is that, in the morning, he should look after the children until they are in school (paying for Breakfast Club, if necessary), provide lunch (or pay for school lunches), look after the children after school finishes (or pay for After-School Club, if necessary).If CMS reduced the CM due by £213 per month, they must expect Dad to have some costs associated with caring for his children for 3 nights (3 ½ days) per week that they are with him.Where are the rules, please?
Grandad Bernard - 22-Sep-17 @ 12:16 PM
I had a Private Agreement Shared Custody with my Ex Husband - ( Not worth the Paper it was written on) He went to the CSA in 2006 and Applied I have Paid over £40,000 for my (2) Two Children and was never allowed Custody by the PWC - This Month CSA stopped under the Old System and I have just had a Calculation of £199 before it ceased. I have just received Threatening Letters from the Child Maintenance Service that the Ex Husbandhas Applied - And I am to Pay £500 per month with immediate effect as a Direct Payment ... My Child has been in a Hospital for the Past (4) Four Years - Paid for by NHS England - Yet as the Alleged PWC receives the Child Benefit I have Paid over £12,000 - In CSA - This is Unfair - and Unreasonable - My Son is 18 and Not in Full Time Education - Child Benefit should cease and Child Maintenance- Should Not Apply due to these Circumstances and Not in the Care of the PWC... Who only has to buy shower gel and toothpaste - CSA was an Open Cheque Book for the PWC - Now the CMS is even worse - Government Agencies have denied me Any Relationship with my children- . I want to be Treated Fairly and Equally -
Justice - 23-May-17 @ 11:52 PM
My ex is claiming for having taken care of one of our minor Boys....since July 2015 till December.The final divorce decree ordered me two $950.00 per child but one child was already living with me and continued to so till current..the youngest of the two also opted to come and live since December 2015. She has made no contribution towards the children's welfare to date...I have also obtained full custody in the meantime over both the boys and she, despite having been warned to defend why I should be granted full custody, did not even turn up for the hearing. The kids are now for close to two years in my care and she did not mare anycontribution during this period. She however claims compensation for having looked after one of the for about five months before they opted out of their own free will to move in with me. Does she deserve to be compensated for having looked after her own child.
George - 9-Mar-17 @ 6:52 PM
Hi, I need some assistance as I have tried everything over 17 years and still have nothing.I am a single parent of two daughters and have brought them both up since youngest was born.Domestic violent relationship, claimed CS, NRP denied paternity, ended up with declaration from the courts as he never attended.In 17 years we have received £439 in maintenance.We have complained periodically, been to ICE on two occasions who have upheld my complaints and found maladministration on numerous occasions.My oldest suffered a severe disability two years ago, I had to stop work and become her carer, my youngest wants to attend University in two years.My ex partner has been non compliant throughout, changed addresses and employment.I want to sue the CSA for the £28000 debt my ex partner owes as they haven't taken appropriate action/enforcement within reasonable timescales which has led to my ex partner disappearing again.Really frustrated and disappointed in a system that is supposed to support children and has done nothing for mine.Any advice would be appreciated as my goal is to get the full amount of the debt paid and draw a line under this debacle but will not walk away without the money owing.They let is accrue over 17 years without chasing not me
Lauram - 4-Mar-17 @ 4:09 PM
Hi, I need some assistance as I have tried everything over 17 years and still have nothing.I am a single parent of two daughters and have brought them both up since youngest was born.Domestic violent relationship, claimed CS, NRP denied paternity, ended up with declaration from the courts as he never attended.In 17 years we have received £439 in maintenance.We have complained periodically, been to ICE on two occasions who have upheld my complaints and found maladministration on numerous occasions.My oldest suffered a severe disability two years ago, I had to stop work and become her carer, my youngest wants to attend University in two years.My ex partner has been non compliant throughout, changed addresses and employment.I want to sue the CSA for the £28000 debt my ex partner owes as they haven't taken appropriate action/enforcement within reasonable timescales which has led to my ex partner disappearing again.Really frustrated and disappointed in a system that is supposed to support children and has done nothing for mine.Any advice would be appreciated as my goal is to get the full amount of the debt paid and draw a line under this debacle but will not walk away without the money owing.They let is accrue over 17 years without chasing not me
Lauram - 4-Mar-17 @ 10:22 AM
Hi, I need some assistance as I have tried everything over 17 years and still have nothing.I am a single parent of two daughters and have brought them both up since youngest was born.Domestic violent relationship, claimed CS, NRP denied paternity, ended up with declaration from the courts as he never attended.In 17 years we have received £439 in maintenance.We have complained periodically, been to ICE on two occasions who have upheld my complaints and found maladministration on numerous occasions.My oldest suffered a severe disability two years ago, I had to stop work and become her carer, my youngest wants to attend University in two years.My ex partner has been non compliant throughout, changed addresses and employment.I want to sue the CSA for the £28000 debt my ex partner owes as they haven't taken appropriate action/enforcement within reasonable timescales which has led to my ex partner disappearing again.Really frustrated and disappointed in a system that is supposed to support children and has done nothing for mine.Any advice would be appreciated as my goal is to get the full amount of the debt paid and draw a line under this debacle but will not walk away without the money owing.They let is accrue over 17 years without chasing not me
Lauram - 4-Mar-17 @ 9:04 AM
Hi, I have been getting the maximum from the csa for the past 7 years. I live in a couple I'll property and he help with my rent. I recently found put that the father of my child earns over 500k a year. We were together for a year but he was just playing me the whole time. I want to go to court to secure a future for my son or increase payments so we can live a bit better but I am worried he is going to make me look like a hold digger or a one night stand? I actually made the same grades as him but could never pursue my career because I was a full time mum.
Sellybee - 27-Jan-17 @ 8:08 PM
My 16 year old daughter decided one day to go to her boyfriend's and not return home. There has been many issues. I contacted her and asked her to come back home, but she did not want to. The boy's mother called social services wanting to know who would be paying for her keep.In Scotland a 16 year old is deemed an adult, and thus the mother was told that it is an agreement that wold be made between them ( my daughter and her boyfriend's mother) A few days later, both my husband and I received separate demands from Child Maintenance services which was supposedly applied by my daughter. Now I thought that a parent claims maintenance from another parent for the upkeep of their child if the said parents have split up.My husband and I are still very much together. I would like some clarification please
Sandra - 9-Dec-16 @ 4:03 PM
My husband has to have an op and will only be receiving statutory sick pay how much maintenance out of his sick pay will he have to pay for his 17 1/2 yr old son?
Barb - 6-Sep-16 @ 8:14 PM
I have been back and forwards to tribunal many times and my case is logged as high profile. If you are on the old system, ask for a variation on his lifestyle. Google is a great way to find out things and tips can be through putting in his company name, online news feeds, facebook, twitter but try typing in trip advisor and his name or his partner. I got a host of information where both left some very nice comments on places they have stayed and travelled. Just an idea as you might not find anything but google has come up with a lot of evidence for me. If you are on the new system 2013, variation to lifestyle will not apply but you can appeal against the decision if you have information. It may go to tribunal but then they have to bring all documents regarding the company, personal information and dont forget to log any personal pensions etc they might have. They may be removing money via cards from their business and taking it as a benefit in kind. You need to factor this in.I am currently pursuing the legislation via my local MP so get them involved as if they write to the head of the CSA (which they pass on your letter) you suddenly get heard. Hope this helps
Dinky - 21-Jun-16 @ 11:09 PM
Nicola - Your Question:
Wondering if anyone can help I am a single mother of 3 children split from partner 2 1/2 years ago after a 18 year relationship. Since he left the family home he has contributed £7 per week through the CSA, he claims he earns £6000 per year. He is a wealthy man with 2 successful companies, I was a stay at home mum and had no career so am currently at university but as you can imagine money is extremely tight. I am in the final stages of taking my ex to court to try and prove he earns far more than £6000 per year, he has submitted his evidence to court but has asked that I not see it which of course the judge has overruled, I think I have covered most angles on how to prove he earns more money than this, I was just wondering if anyone had a further advice so I can go to court fully prepared I cannot afford a solicitor so have been doing this by myself. Any advice would be appreciated.

Our Response:
We can only suggest you read the Bar Council guidance here. It sounds like you will be fine, remember it's not you that has to justify yourself for applying for child maintenance, it is your ex for not paying. You are only applying for what you are entitled to by law.
ChildSupportLaws - 6-Jun-16 @ 3:05 PM
Wondering if anyone can help I am a single mother of 3 children split from partner 2 1/2 years ago after a 18 year relationship.Since he left the family home he has contributed £7 per week through the CSA, he claims he earns £6000 per year.He is a wealthy man with 2 successful companies, I was a stay at home mum and had no career so am currently at university but as you can imagine money is extremely tight.I am in the final stages of taking my ex to court to try and prove he earns far more than £6000 per year, he has submitted his evidence to court but has asked that I not see it which of course the judge has overruled, I think I have covered most angles on how to prove he earns more money than this, I was just wondering if anyone had a further advice so I can go to court fully prepared I cannot afford a solicitor so have been doing this by myself.Any advice would be appreciated.
Nicola - 6-Jun-16 @ 9:00 AM
my children are university. The tuition is paid and maintenance is paid separately. They are living abrosd and Board and Meals are charged seprately from the Tuition. While they are at University does the maintenance payment cover the Boarding and meals while they are at School?
Showfaith - 29-Apr-16 @ 1:25 AM
worried - Your Question:
My son and his wife are on the verge of splitting up, she has been ill for some time and has never really looked after there little boy, for quite some time she has been unable to.my son has done everything for him since the day he was born and takes him everywhere with him, will she be able to stop my son from keeping there little boy as he has always done it all.How is the law on that and is there anything he can do to protect himself and his son from being separated.

Our Response:
Hopefully, this is something they will be able to agree between them and could perhaps agree to shared care. In cases such as this Mediation is a good way to come to an agreement. Mediation is when two or more parties meet to resolve problems before the matter reaches court. It is most often used in family proceedings, Contact Orders, residence agreements and divorce. It is a formal negotiation and courts can accept the agreement of the mediation instead of having to go through the court process, although it is subject to final court approval. Mediation takes place in front of a neutral third party. The mediator has no pre-conceptions and will not force an agreement. They will assist the two parties in taking turns in the conversation, and help them reach a decision they are ready to agree with. I hope this helps.
ChildSupportLaws - 26-Feb-16 @ 2:27 PM
My son and his wife are on the verge of splitting up, she has been ill for some time and has never really looked after there little boy, for quite some time she has been unable to. my son has done everything for him since the day he was born and takes him everywhere with him, will she be able to stop my son from keeping there little boy as he has always done it all. How is the law on that and is there anything he can do to protect himself and his son from being separated.
worried - 25-Feb-16 @ 7:22 PM
Can you or someone explain the two court cases: Mallamo v Mallamo and Centanni v Centanni
randy - 28-Aug-14 @ 1:09 PM
Hi, My ex husband and I divorced about 10 years ago. We have a daughter who is now 14. He stopped seeing her when he remarried. He was forced to pay maintenance through the CSA and it caused a lot of resentment from his part. Last year I moved abroad to the Middle East to better my life and bring financial stability for my kid. The CSA suddenly stopped payments as the 'child' was no longer in their jurisdiction! I sent several emails to ascertain why they had not informed me of this, no real answer from them. I am in the UK for a few weeks and would like to know how I can get maintenance as my daughter's schooling had cost more than half my wages last year. My ex has signed a 'no-objection' letter to take our daughter abroad. This has been attested by a solicitor. Am I able to apply as we live abroad? I appreciate your quick response as time is short.
Sam - 26-Jul-14 @ 6:03 PM
Hi "they can apply for a foreign maintenance order which will be enforceable against the non-resident parent who is living in the UK." Where can I apply for this in South Africa? Kindly assist.
Loafer father - 26-Jul-14 @ 3:52 PM
My wife and I are separated but have not finalized our financial arrangements yet.We are about to do so but I need to know exactly what is child maintenance intended to cover? I'm guessing it's for basics like light & heat, clothing, food.But is it also intended to go towards child-minding, school uniforms, doctor, dentist, social?What other once-offs should I expect to be asked to pay out for which are not included in the realm of the basic child maintenance? Please help me with this. I would like to do it right.
fint - 27-Jun-14 @ 11:02 PM
My son aged 15 has moved out and gone to live with his half sister. she is making a maintenance claim against me, can she do this even if she has no parental rights. Thanks
rusty - 16-Jun-14 @ 10:04 AM
Hi. Iwanted to ask where we stand re my partners ex contacting csa regarding maintenance payments. He is out of the country working away at the moment so stopped the payments as he couldn't afford them and I received a letter from the CSA asking for details of my and his salary.He has told me that an agreement was set up between him and his ex and not through the CSA.Firstly am I legally obliged to provide my salary details as his kids are nothing to do with me and secondly I am receiving disability benefits as have been unable to work for over 14 months due to an injury at work and I receive no salary from work.Does this affect the amount they will order him to pay etc.Thanks in advance for all replies.
lofty - 26-May-14 @ 8:54 PM
my husband and I are very likely to get separated. We have 2 boys from our marriage, both are carrying his name, I still have my maiden name, just was not able to get around to change it. I want custody of both children, my husband wants the same or split them up. Besides that he is from Namibia and if he was to get custody he will take them back to his country. What are my options to make sure I will get custody?
Sue - 19-Sep-13 @ 1:22 PM
I'm 17, and in full-time education, asking on behalf of my father (the non-resident parent):My dad paid child support to my mum, but was then fired in November. Since then, he has been claiming Job Seeker's Allowance, but hasn't paid my mum at all. She is aware of his situation, but is of the mind that she is owed around £1,400, and is talking of seeking legal advice (my dad is as yet unaware of this). What is the resolution to this, until my dad has found employment? Should he simply be paying the flat rate of £5 per week? Also, are there any potential legal ramifications if my mum does seek legal advice etcetera? Any clarification that you could give would be much appreciated.
joshua - 22-Feb-13 @ 1:33 AM
I previously lived with a woman who had to girls to me. I was self employed on a low income and now working for a company, my ex partner has now contacted the CSA and they have gone back to when she first applied in 2007 for maintenance. This is all very well and above board. However as the CSA don't take into account that my ex partner moved in with me in my own property and ensured that her name was put on the deeds,after I had a period of ill health, and my ex wanted to ensure that my girls and her future would be safe should anything happen to me. My ex then took a loan out of against the property and ended up with it being repossessed when all the legal work completed ended up with approx £40k she also owed my family in access of £20k that she borrowed to set up her own catering business 10 years earlier, and when she sold the business ended up with another £20k profit. Did not repay my family back and they have no paper work or proof that she borrowed the money, she states it was a gift. The girls stayed with me 4-5 nights per week, often not both together as two teenage girls together constantly argued, so they did it on a night by night basis. If one did not stay over came for her tea, and needed taxi money home. After a conversation with CSA my ex partner had been advised that the girls should not have over night stays with the non resident parent as the amount in her maintenance would increase. Hence the girls have never been allowed to stay. The CSA are now taking direct payment from my salary,. My partner has now moved in with me and is having to pay the shortfall in my mortgage [taken out with my father as a guarantor as I was unable to have a mortgage in my own right after ex had last house repossessed] and my partnerhelp towards my bills as well as paying her half of the bills/food. My partner has pushed for the CSA as she informed my partner that she would end up with my partners wage as well, this has left us in financial hardship, my partner is not only paying my shortfall but also paying my girls mobile bills paying for their other requests for clothes/outings. So in an indirect way my partner is receiving some of my partners income. Child maintenance is not means tested which is totally unfair. This is putting a huge strain on my partner and I and our relationship, my partner has other financial commitments. This is even more annoying that my children are not benefiting from the maintenance as all it is used for that mum and her husband are have lavish meals and weekends away. my payments including arrears are 50% of my income.and they say they do not take partners in to consideration. Would like your view on this case and whwre can I go with it from here have appealled but have not had any luck
terry - 14-Feb-13 @ 11:46 AM
Hi, my youngest daughter who is 17 recently went to live with her dad.He walked out nearly 9yrs ago and never in all that time paid a penny to me to help support our 2 girls.He used to cash work, which I reported on numerous occasions, but no one ever investigated or listened to this.I have come home this evening to an application for Child Maintenance from him!!I earn £19k a year, pay a mortgage, my bills, I am still paying off a loan for a car I had to buy to get to and from work, I have £30k of his debt on my mortgage that I am left with.He messed around so much during the divorce, not turning up for hearings, supplying paperwork etc, so I ended up with a £13.5k Legal fee, which has now been set as a charge against my house.This charge is now in excess of £20k as it accrues £1,100 a year in interest!!Surely they can't honestly expect me to pay??To say I am livid right now would be understating it!!!!
JJ1969 - 7-Dec-12 @ 6:17 PM
I have a 9 year old daughter and a 2 year old daughter with two different men. I was previously married to my older daughters dad but we have since divorced and I haven't seen or heard from him in six years. My current partner (father of my two year old) wants to legally adopt my older daughter. Where does he stand based on her birth father still having parental responsibility? Would he be able to adopt her if we are unable to find her birth father?
Kiki - 19-Nov-12 @ 8:13 PM
My son and his girlfriend were living together and the girl decided to come off the contraception without telling my son, she is now 6 weeks pregnent and wishes to have the baby. Bear in mind that she is 17. My son tried to discuss with her that she should have an abortion as he does not want the baby. What are his rights and will he end up paying the maintainence allowance despite the fact that he has made it clear to her and her parents that he does not want the child, also he has now left her and come back home.
Neil - 2-Nov-12 @ 1:51 PM
Hi, im 16 years old and fear i maybe getting thrown out of my mothers house, for trivial reasons. my father pays her £500 a month for my child support. However if i am chucked out my house i will have to move to my ads 200 miles away from my 6th form and my life, is there anyway i could get the £500 a month and use it to live in the area i am in at the moment or will i have to move in withmy father?Additional: i have a 21 year old brother who would move into an appartment with me if age is a problem for living alone.
jason - 21-Sep-12 @ 3:21 PM
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