The Basic Facts

How child support works in practice and what parents need to know. Articles explain calculations, payment options, enforcement and international arrangements.

Arranging Child Support Through the Courts

You can arrange child support through the courts using a consent order, but both parents must agree on the amount and legal costs fall on you.

Child Maintenance Options

Find out how child maintenance works, from family agreements to government support through the Child Maintenance Service.

Child Support Guidelines

How child maintenance payments work and what the Child Maintenance Service does to help separated parents support their children.

Child Support Laws Around the World

How child support laws work across different countries and what obligations parents have for financial support.

How Child Support Assessment and Calculation Works

The Child Maintenance Service uses a standard formula to work out child support payments based on both parents' income and circumstances.

How the CSA Works

The CSA helps parents with care collect child maintenance payments from non-resident parents and can track down those avoiding their financial responsibilities.

The Pros and Cons of the Child Support Laws

Child support laws help struggling parents financially but come with real costs and challenges for both sides.

What if Your Child's Support Payments Stop?

Why child maintenance payments stop and what you can do if money from your child's other parent goes missing.

What Kind of Child Support Is Available?

The Child Maintenance Service can help arrange regular payments from a non-resident parent to support the costs of raising children.

What Rights Does My Ex Have with Regards to Our Children?

After a breakup, your ex has legal rights to your children unless a court decides otherwise, and understanding parental responsibility matters.

Who Has to Pay Child Support?

Child support is a legal responsibility for parents living apart, with the non-resident parent required to contribute to their child's welfare.

Your Top Child Support Questions Answered

Common questions about child support answered, including how remarriage and new children affect what you're owed.