How to Make a Claim for Child Support

Author: Anna Martin

Claiming Child Support, from a non resident parent, is a simple process that requires a relatively small amount of a parent with care’s time. This periodic payment will help towards the costs of a child’s day-to-day living expenses, and can be used to pay for school fees, clothing, shelter, food and extracurricular activities.

What Do To

The Department for Work and Pensions provides an easy-to-use website, where parents can download claim forms and access additional resources. Child Support claim forms are available in pdf format and can be printed off, signed and posted to the relevant address.

In some cases, the option to fill in details and submit forms online is also available. Before submitting information online however, parents must be registered with the centralised registration service, the Government Gateway. This service allows users to access other government services on the Internet. Once registration is complete individuals can use a single user ID to send and receive application forms.

Parents can also directly contact the Child Support Agency (CSA), and provide the required information to staff on the telephone, by using a call back facility.

Child Support Rights Checker

Answer a few questions about your situation and get a clear summary of your child maintenance rights and options.

Try our Child Support Rights Checker free, here on this site →

How Long Does It Take?

From the minute an application form is submitted to the CSA’s formal acknowledgement takes around 12 weeks. The initial four weeks is taken up by gathering and checking information provided by the non resident parent. If a trace needs to be put on the parent the whole process will take considerably longer. Ensuring relevant details and up-to-date information is provided at the start of the application process will enable CSA staff to complete the necessary administrative tasks more quickly.

The Child Support Agency aims to give parents with care an accurate decision as soon as possible, but sometimes this could take in the region of 26 weeks.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

How Soon Is Payment Arranged?

Once initial payment arrangements have been made, the CSA aims to collect and distribute the first child maintenance payment, to the parent with care, within 6 weeks. Once the CSA receives maintenance payment from the non resident parent it takes a week to process and to distribute the amount.

If a Child Support payment has to be deducted from a non resident parent’s wages, via their employer, due to the parent’s failure to comply with obligations, the payment may take around 4 months to set up and distribute.

What To Do If A Parent Lives Abroad

If a parent no longer lives in the UK the Child Support Agency is only able to help collect payments if a claim for maintenance meets with the exceptions the CSA cover. If a non resident parent is working abroad in the service of the Crown, is a member of the Armed Forces, works abroad for a UK based company or is working abroad on secondment, to a recognised body like the NHS, the CSA will be able to assist parents with care with their maintenance claims.

If the non-resident parent lives abroad, but does not meet the above requirements, parents with care can apply for child maintenance through the UK courts.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Child Support Rights Checker lets you answer a few questions about your situation and get a clear summary of your child maintenance rights and options. Try it now →

104 questions

Ask Child Support Laws a Question

ChrisyBoy 18/10/2019 at 10:28 am

I receive a War Pension and have to pay £7 per week maintenance reduced to Nil due to shared care.
A variance was put in which is fine but the CMS are adding the £7 per week to the other income before calculating shared care.
There is nothing in the legislation I can see that allows them to do this.
Any thoughts? It means I am now paying an extra £6 per week I believe this is wrong. All documents I have seen state the income should be treated separately for shared care then added.

Haughton 10/05/2019 at 2:52 pm

Hi, I’m now 35 years old, and have never had child maintenance from my dad, even though he was supposed too pay, can I take this further?
Thank you

Bb 09/05/2019 at 4:42 pm

Hi I have 2 children aged 7 and 11 there dad has never paid a penny towards there up bringing . I've asked many times for help towards food uniforms school pack lunches etc but he shows no interest. He can become very aggressive when the conversation comes up. He only sees them when its suits him which has been once in the last 5months. I use to get child tax credit but that has been stopped so all I receive is child benefit for 2 children. Nothing else and his aware of this I'm at wits end please help

Ieva 28/03/2019 at 1:54 pm

Hello. My husband decided to be single. We have 2 year old boy together and also 8 year old ftom my previous relationship.does my husband must pay maintenance for both kids?

Vicky 28/02/2019 at 9:53 pm

Just after some advice ive just found out the address of my sons father who has not paid a penny for my son in almost 13 yrs my son turns 18 in a couple of weeks would i be able to start a child maintanence claim my son is also in ft edgucation and his father is in in a very high paid job and does it get back dated at all ty i have been in reciept of child tax credit for him i would like to think his father owes them alot for paying for his son all these years ty

ChildSupportLaws Editor 02/08/2018 at 10:36 am

You would be able to apply for child maintenance if your child's father is earning and income. In this case, you may wish to speak to Child Maintenance Options directly, CMS should be able to put a trace on your child's father.

Lorraine 01/08/2018 at 4:15 pm

Not sure if i can get help here. I have an 8 year old son whoms father has refused any aknowlegment of him. He has never seen him due to his father generally not wanting to no him. I always said i would never take him for any money now 8 years on a single parent im finding it hard. Without putting to much detail online i was 15 when i had my son and his father being alot older then me as ashamed as i am to admit it i only no his full name and birthday but not the year he was born. Would it be possible to track him down with only little information. Any advice would be hugely appreciated many thanks

K1m 08/06/2018 at 5:14 pm

Hi, what information do you need to make a claim? I have two children with my ex, he has access once a fortnight for two nights, he is supposed to pay a set amount we both agreed on separation but only pays when he feels like it and never on time? Can they refuse to pay maintenance? I've asked numerous times for him to set up standing orders so I don't have to chase each month

ChildSupportLaws Editor 06/04/2018 at 10:29 am

I presume when you say 'sperm donor' you mean your ex and not an actual sperm donor who wouldn't be held responsible for paying child maintenance. You don't say why your son's father hasn't paid (which would help to answer the question) as some reasons may be legitimate i.e he has not earned an income. Child access and child maintenance are two separate issues and not connected. Children are not viewed as bribes for money, meaning the other parent shouldn't be stopped from building up a relationship with their child on the basis of whether they can pay child maintenance or not. CMS/CSA would have attempted to get child maintenance on your behalf if your son's father deliberately refused to pay. This is what they were set up to do.

Rachie 05/04/2018 at 4:07 am

The sperm donor to my son has not paid a penny for him he's now 23 I tried b4 to have him pay for his responsibilities but his parents stuck up for him and said he didn't live there he still hasn't paid a penny but still sees our son it pisses me off he's got away without paying a penny but still thinks he has the rights to be my sons father

Thelma 10/03/2018 at 1:54 am

Hi. My partner has a 5 year old boy. He has previously had shared custody with the mother as the main parent as he works long unsociable hours. However recent events have meant that he will now be getting full custody and the child moving in with us. He will have to give up work. We rent a small 1 bedroom place. Our rent is high and I won’t be able ro afford it myself. Will the council help pay our rent/contribute money even though I work full time? Will they help us get another place to live? Is it better financially if we live separately regarding financial support?

ChildSupportLaws Editor 06/03/2018 at 1:45 pm

You may have the equivalent of REMO in NZ, which is the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Order (REMO) Unit. It helps to register and enforce child maintenance orders internationally

Taz 06/03/2018 at 10:14 am

Hi, I have an 11 year old son. His father and I seperated when my son was 5 years old. My ex has never paid any child support and has purposely worked in cash in hand roles to avoid having to pay. I have never claimed through the CSA. I moved to NZ with my son 2 years ago and have heard that my ex is in proper employment now, can I claim from NZ? And if so, how?

ChildSupportLaws Editor 13/02/2018 at 3:09 pm

If your father was unemployed when you were younger, then he would not have been eligible to pay child maintenance, so would not have been expected to make a contribution. Also, child maintenance is based upon taxable earnings (an inheritance doesn't class as earnings). Only a parent can claim child maintenance from another parent, a child cannot claim. So, you would not be able to claim anything either via CMS or through the courts. With regards to your father gaining an inheritance, it is up to him what he chooses to do with this money.

ZD91 13/02/2018 at 9:50 am

Hi, I am 27 years old and my dad never paid maintenance for me throughout my childhood, he was unemployed through some of those years when I was younger. He is now a self-employed taxi driver and has been since 2005/2006 and now bringing up another child with another woman who is not my mum. He has recently received an inheritance that he has pumped into this child, he did give me a small amount as this was my nan too but nothing to what he gave other members of family. Is there a way I can now make him pay his historical maintenance from my childhood, I don't care if a percentage has to be taken or even if I do not receive it, I just find it unsettling that he has never had to make a contribution. If there is a way of fighting for this could you also advise the cheapest way possible, I am on minimum wage for my age and surviving by myself.
If you could help it would be really appreciated.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 21/12/2017 at 1:46 pm

The fact you are married means that everything goes into the joint marital pot. It means an inheritance is not excluded from the assets to be divided. The considerations when deciding whether an inheritance is to be divided are; how long the marriage has lasted (the longer the marriage the more the inheritance will figure when dividing assets), the size of the inheritance, when it was received, how the money has been used. Also considered is the financial needs of each person and whether there are children at the time of the divorce, and their needs, which should be provided for. Likewise, usually the person who is the primary carer of the children is often allowed to remain in the family home (if the matter goes to court). It's worth seeking legal advice, especially if your husband is not willing to share details of how much is in the family pot.

Cfrz 21/12/2017 at 2:58 am

Hi there. My situation is a little unusual maybe. My husband got quite a large sum of money as inheritance and decided (with my support) to leave his job and start his own project.

Previous to this he was earning approx £1450pcm. After my maternity leave I got a part time job and my income was approx £700pcm. I attended to all the household upkeep and childcare and bought about 85% of the groceries. He had the childcare voucher coming off his wage pre tax.

Now he is not earning but is paying £500 per month from the inheritance into our joint account toward rent and bills.

I now work almost full time and earn around £1300 per month. I still buy all the groceries and the childcare voucher now comes off my wage.

I manage the household and do all the chores.

Now we are separating after over a year of this arrangement.

I have no idea how much money he has. I know he has the inheritance and some ISA’s.

I have no money.

I can not afford to support myself and my son in our current home on my own. I don’t mind moving and am prepared to live within my means, but am I entitled to any support from my husband? I don’t know how to prove he has got money despite not earning.

It’s a mess and I’m worried. I just want to be able to look after my son and keep a roof over our heads.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 15/12/2017 at 12:22 pm

You can speak to CMS directly via whichThey will advise you regarding your best options.

Becky 14/12/2017 at 5:50 pm

Hi there I need some advice. My daughter is 10 and goes to her dads for 'three' nights a week so in the last 5 years I have claimed no child support. I have always known that within his time with her she goes to his mums one night every other week and I have since found out that she has been going to his girlfriends parents the weeks in between so he is now only having her two nights a week. I am wondering if I can now claim child support as I have a lot of outgoings and also pay for her violin 72pound a month with no support. I believe if challenged he will probably deny that he is not having her the full agreed on three nights a week and don't know how I could prove this to csa. Thank you

ChildSupportLaws Editor 17/11/2017 at 12:27 pm

If you feel your son's father has a lifestyle which is not based upon his earnings, and 'not' supplemented by his new partner (what she earns or contributes is of no concern to CMS), then you may have a case to take it to court. A court would look at his finances in depth. This can be helpful if you can prove he is earning more, but could costly to you in court costs if he can justify his small wage in front of a judge. Therefore, you would have to seek legal advice regarding this. Otherwise, unfortunately there is little recourse, CMS go on his HMRC-registered figures, and that's all it needs to know.

Tyler 16/11/2017 at 10:19 am

Please could anyone advise. My son's father has prestigious successful business. Employs staff. Pays himself a small salary. Ludicrous, implausible figure for central London. Cushioned by new partner. Shares her home. I am paid paltry figure each month. I feel contacting CSA will open a can of worms of aggravation and upset that I hoped to avoid however I feel it's become financially very unfair. I understand CSA will base figure on his taxable income/payslip ( small and not representative of gross earnings) and not his business earnings. Seems wrong. Is this the case please? Thank you for any advise.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 24/10/2017 at 10:49 am

Yes, you can take your ex to court for unpaid child maintenance - but much also depends upon his circumstances. For instance, if he doesn't own a house, has no savings and is unemployed, then there would be no point in pursuing a case against him as it will end up only costing you.

Lauren 23/10/2017 at 5:35 pm

This is Regarding a historical child maintenance claim for my 18 year old daughter with my ex, who is still in full time education. It is Complicated as the CSA could only claim certain years 1999-2002 due to durisdiction issues with him living abroad (they now have a deduction of earnings in place for that period). I then had numerous attempts made through REMO but was also unsuccessful as he kept moving.
I Now know he lives in the UK and wish to claim the outstanding 15 years of unpaid child maintenance. I have his work address and would like a court order put in place to retrieve it, can this be done? I can provide all relevant documents, I need a solicitor to help me progress and willing to pay.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 02/10/2017 at 3:29 pm

The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Order (REMO) Unit helps to register and enforce child maintenance orders internationally and may be able to advise

Gosha 29/09/2017 at 8:44 pm

Hi. My child is 12 years old, we moved in UK in 2010, my child came in 2011. Me and my child are EU citizens, but I have a UK permanent resident certificate from HOME OFFICE. My daughter's father never payed a child support. He moved from EU to Ireland, have his own business and transfer some cash only ones a year. Please could you tell us is there any chance to take him to court or make him to support his child if he is in Ireland? Regards. Inga.

UKbaby02 26/09/2017 at 10:18 pm

Hi I have a British Bf and we have a child together; I'm a Filipino citizen living in the Philippines. And the father of my child doesn't give financial support. Is there a way I can claim child support?

ChildSupportLaws Editor 22/08/2017 at 2:23 pm

The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Order (REMO) Unit helps to register and enforce child maintenance orders internationally. You can see more via the link here which should help you answer your question.

Jay 18/08/2017 at 3:23 pm

Hello my daughter is 7,5 and we've moved from London to Switzerland one year ago. I won the case in the court but have to bring her back and pick her up 4 times a year April 2 weeks summer 5 weeks October 3 weeks winter 2 weeks (it's how she had school holiday) I'm responsible for all flights her dad pays nothing. He's a teacher and lives in uk. He said he won't pay any child support because he's looking after her 13 weeks per year ... having said that he's not paying for any flights... I only work part time and is hard ... me and him are Polish nationality but my daughter was born in uk and lived there until she was 6 yo. Now the question how and where shall I apply for child support? Shall I do it in Switzerland or apply from uk? Thank you ever so much ... I really have no money to ask a lawyer for advice...

proud daddy 31/07/2017 at 1:29 pm

Am a Kenyan residing in the UK for 14 years. I have 2 children aged 8 and 7. Been with my partner for 10 years and after I called it off for her having another relationships she went all berserk on me. It's a long story so please read and see if i....... if we can get any help. My partner has been working for the last 5 years. I been the mother to this kids as her parenting is awful to say the least. I bath the kids I take them to school I cook for them I do everything a mother does. Kids have a been happy and their school says the same. Now before I go any futher let me say I have working restrictions due to my immigration status. Home Office were just about to issue me with indefinite leave to remain. I report to them once every month. Despite the stress of uncertainty over the years. I have been a good dad. Over this past year my partner who has a history of depression has had me arrested 3 times but no charges brought forward. First time I want to smack my 8 year old and missed and got her bare skin leaving a mark. My partner was ok with that but within the same hour we argued coz she left cloths in the wash for 2 weeks. She hates being told she is wrong. She got really angry like she always does and took the kids out in the streets to get mom. Once their they called the police that I smacked the daughter. Social got involved but saw no need for any action. However we signed some form staying that none of us should ever smack kids again. Since then my partner has smacked the daughter 2 times. Last time she did it daughter came and told me mommy smacked her. I want tell my partner to be carefull as we signed a letter and if she leaves a mark kisds could be taken away. Next thing I noticed she was in the phone in tears again. She asked kids to get dressed she is taking them to a party. I haven't seen it heard from them since. I called the police and they said they know where they are and they they are safe. 5 days have gone by and still nothing. I contacted social services and they said they will get back to me. Am still waiting. Now when I get arrested this kids suffer. She does not very them. She feeds them junk food. They don't even go to school coz she cannot wake up for them. School files will show that when am not home this kids are on a downer. I know 100% that the kids want to be home with me. They were happy. I'm more of a mother to this kids than she ever will be. She never asks kids to brush teeth despite pumping them with all sort of sugary stuff. She is very very untidy and takes advantage that I'll have to tidy the house up coz of the children. I really genuinely feel sorry for this kids if she allowed to care for them alone. One more thing. We lived in a private property rented and tenancy agreement was under her name. My immigration case was based on this family. She is destroying our lives simply coz I said I won't be sleeping in the same bed with her. I revived an occupation order with a non molestation order. She has

ChildSupportLaws Editor 28/07/2017 at 3:51 pm

You would have to speak with the child benefit office directly regarding this matter.

Sus 27/07/2017 at 11:37 pm

Me and my partner are Indian citizens.I hav two child one is born in 2011 and one is 2013 . Both are born in uk. From till today not to claim child benefits . So if I claim now can I recvd any back dated child benefit or I just recvd from when to apply???

ChildSupportLaws Editor 10/07/2017 at 12:25 pm

If you have a family-based arrangement then child maintenance is agreed mutually. Therefore, if you feel his child maintenance payments should rise, then you would have to agree this between you. Otherwise, if you wish to claim via Child Maintenance Service then your ex would be assessed on the number of nights he has your children over and payments would be set accordingly.

Zoe 09/07/2017 at 4:37 pm

My ex husband and I have a mutual agreement in place for our 2 daughters aged 12 and 15 to pay 55pounds a wk. This has been the case for 6yrs. But over this 6mnths my daughter's reported their father and his new wife to social services for abuse of their 2 young children aged 2 and 6. Since then their father doesn't see them at all and have a lot of help from family's first and the school as my girls mental health has been affected greatly from this. As he does not have them sleep over at all now and they used to sleep over every other wkend. Should my child maintenance go up now. He has always worked and I'm claiming pip and child tax credits. Some advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Kazz 22/06/2017 at 9:25 am

I separated from my ex in 2007 when my son was 5 a month later he gave me £185 and since then I've never received another penny, I moved to Dublin in 2010 and he still lives in the UK Am I entitled to claim maintenance through the CSA? If so how do I go about this our son will be 16 in November 2017.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 02/05/2017 at 3:13 pm

Much depends upon your income and whether it has changed. You can of course say no. Your ex's option would be then to either approach Child Maintenance Services who would assess you based upon your income, or she could apply to take the matter to court. A solicitor's agreement only has the weight of current circumstances and the agreement between the two parents, but if situations change, then so can the agreement if taken to court. That's not to say a court case would come out in her favour. It would be up to the court to decide what it thinks is in your children's best interests, not hers. Therefore, you may wish to seek some legal advice.

marko 02/05/2017 at 1:27 pm

When I separated from my child's mother I let her have all profits from our house as she could not get a mortgage on her income.
I had paid the mortgage & her car as well as an home improvement loan....i.e.; everything, this was based on the agreement (in writing through her solicitor) I pay £200 a month
I see my son 2-3 days a week & help out around my ex's unpredictable work hours.....she is now asking for more money, I am also pretty sure she has emptied an account we both contributed to as when I went to put money in I was told there was another book in circulation & the balance was significantly less.
The agreement of £200 is less than 18 month old.

tash 13/04/2017 at 8:34 pm

My son is eight years old and his father got married to a UK Citizen about two years now from dat time we have not heard from him we use to have a phone number which he doesn't answer anymore.while in Jamaica he use to pay child support through the court office which he no longer does
How can i get some information with regard to getting child support for my son

Gemma 08/03/2017 at 7:54 pm

Hello, I just found out I am pregnant from my boyfriend. He is from Romania. He is currently living in the UK. When he found out, he dumped me and told me he is going back home. Can I get child support?

ChildSupportLaws Editor 07/03/2017 at 12:45 pm

Generally speaking, shared-care is a family-based arrangement and usually agreed between the parents, alongside whether one parent has to pay maintenance to the other or not. For instance, if both parents are working and earning similar salaries, then it is often agreed that both parents should both share the care of the child(ren)and no one parent has to pay child maintenance to the other. However, if there is an imbalance both financially and with regards to access, then it is usually the parent who has the majority of the care who is the one who is entitled to claim child maintenance. Alternatively, if shared care is entirely equal, but there is a financial imbalance, it is usually the person who is in receipt of child benefit who can apply to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). Once calculated, the amount of child maintenance paid is reduced by the amount of nights the paying parent has the child(ren) overnight. So, I'm afraid, despite what CAB says, there is no black-and-white answer here. Much depends upon the parents' attitudes, especially the parent who is essentially the primary carer (i.e the person who is in receipt of child benefit) and whether they wish to apply to claim. I hope this helps clarify your question.

bob 06/03/2017 at 5:44 pm

The citizens advice bureau website clearly states that "If you share care of your child equally, neither of you has to pay maintenance to each other." Can you please clear up whether this is correct information or not?

Vix 18/02/2017 at 12:08 pm

My ex husband moved to Thailand purely to avoid paying maintenance 12 years ago, I was told by the CSA that as he a non U.K. Resident he doesn't have to pay towards his daughter. Does anyone know if this is still the case please?

Can I make a claim
How do I go about it
Has anyone been successful if they've done this please

tess 22/01/2017 at 12:41 pm

hi gud good day..i am a filipina with 2 kids 16 & 15 years old boys. the father of my sons is now living with another woman their in Nottingham U.K. how can i reached my husband their. And all i want is his Child support for my sons. Hoping that you could help me.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 20/01/2017 at 10:52 am

You don't say whether you are in a family based arrangement or an ararngement via the CMS. If you are in the former, you cannot claim arrears from your ex (except by mutual negotiation). If your arrangement is through the CMS, then your ex will be laible for arrears. Therefore, if you are not satisfied with the current arrangement, then you may wish to approach the CMS to help organise payment, With regards to your question of what age should child maintenance payments stop, by law every parent has the basic responsibility to provide for their child up until the age of 16, when they are legally allowed to leave school and get a job. After this age, it depends what your child chooses to do. If they continue in full-time non-advanced education not higher than A-level equivalent, for at least 12 hours a week, then your ex's maintenance payments will continue until your child finishes the course, or until they turn 20. I hope this helps.

Dillis 19/01/2017 at 10:58 am

Hi my child is 16 doesn't leave school till July then is going to college his dad thinks he doesn't have to pay owt for him he has been paying me 100 every month but have to chase him for it at end of month anyway he said he wasn't paid at Xmas so it will be late he pays me on 1st of every month it's now 17th he said he transferred it mon night keep checking my bank and nothing from him he lies and makes excuses all the time we been separated bout 7 years now my son only stayed at his time last year he makes excuses all the time where do we stand now pls

Kasey 14/01/2017 at 2:13 pm

Hi my ex husband has never paid child support since we split up 7 years ago. I have a non molestation order to protect me and the children and have avoided Contacting the csa due to his violence and harassment. Which only stopped when I got the non molestation order last year. Life had been a leaving hell. I am struggling financially and am not in receipt of any benefits as I am a full time working mum but think that he should pay towards the children regardless of how he has behaved. I am still not sure whether to contact the csa as I feel like I will be opening a can of worms and inviting more trouble from him. But I am struggling and i want the children to have the things they deserve that i cant always afford. Also it just doesn't seem fair that I have all the financial worry and he has none. Dont get me wrong I will always put the children first for anything they need which is how I feel it should be however It would help if I didn't have to pay for this all on my own. Previously he had given up his job so that he wouldn't have to pay anything. Would i get anything i have two children one who is only 8 and doesnt know him and one who is 13 who doesn't want to. Would i be able to claim anything for all theae years that he hasnt paid a penny also? Please can you advise.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 13/01/2017 at 1:43 pm

Please see REMO link here which will help answer your question.

Belinda 12/01/2017 at 9:47 pm

Hi. I am a single mother of a 6 year old daughter in South Africa. Her Father is a british citizen. He left when she was 6 months after his visa ran out. We have never received support from him. How could I procced with claiming support. I am not able to afford legal costs and desperately need assistance with schooling. Thank you so much

ChildSupportLaws Editor 09/01/2017 at 11:24 am

I am sorry to hear this. You would not be entitled to claim child support from her father, if her father has died. However, if her father was in arrears with child maintenance, then you may be able to claim the arrears, please see CAB which

SMB 08/01/2017 at 12:20 pm

Hi, im nearly 30 a mother of 1 and she's 1 & 5 month's old. Her daddy is British Dr. But he die last year 3day's after her 1st birthday and I am Filipina, can i ask if she can get any (child support )

Jose 06/01/2017 at 10:11 am

Hi how can I get the father of my children to pay child support since he's living and working full-time as a chef in the UK...myself and my two children leaving in republic of Ireland

Kind regards

Betsyboo32 25/12/2016 at 8:35 pm

Hi, my daughters father has never paid any regular child support, claiming i recieve enough benefits and that he is only working cash in hand. I know that he works as a personal trainer privately and does earn money. If he does not declare his income, will I be able to get much needed financial support for a now 4 year old?

Thanks

Studentmum 24/12/2016 at 9:21 am

Hi.

I separated from my husband in March. He is currently in the armed forces and making regular payments for child support. Since the separation he has decided that he will leave the armed forces next year to go back in to education meaning that he will have very little income and unable to help support our child. I am a student myself, which I was already doing before the separation. I have been told that because he has made the decision to leave the armed forces knowing he has the responsibility of supporting a child, that he should still be prepared to carry on paying the same level of child support. Is this correct? Is there someone/an agency I can talk to further in regards to this?
Thank you.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 20/12/2016 at 11:07 am

No. Child maintenance is paid to the mother of the children, not the children. If your mother agrees to a family-based arrangement, then this is up to her, but I'm afraid you as children have no say in the matter.

Laz 19/12/2016 at 4:02 pm

Hi. Can i ask you if parents want leave separate and we dont want any child maintainance (child support?) Can we do writhe on a paper what the father can pay every month left full refurb house fulli installed and sign plus sign with 2 other withness as well. ??? Thank you your help

ChildSupportLaws Editor 16/12/2016 at 12:35 pm

You would have to apply for court for a child arrangement order if you wish to become the resident parent of your child. If you can prove your child has been living with you and your ex has only taken her back in order to claim money, then you would have a good case. I suggest you seek legal advice in order to explore your options.

Red 15/12/2016 at 9:55 pm

I recently stopped paying child maintenance to my ex because my daughter is with me and my wife 85% of the time for the past 3 years or more and now my ex wants to keep my child from me so she can go to CSA and get as much support as possible. Do I have any rights? Her mum would go 4,5,6 weeks at a time without seeing our daughter and when she did see her it's only for a few days. My ex just wants money and she doesn't care what this will do to our daughter. My daughter misses a lot of school when she's with her mother because she can't be bothered getting up. Please help!

ChildSupportLaws Editor 18/10/2016 at 1:39 pm

You cannot claim child maintenance from your father, as child maintenance is only paid to a parent. If you wish to claim for your children, then you can claim which

nellie 17/10/2016 at 9:35 pm

hi im 32 mother of 3..my own dad never paid me money since iwas born how Can i claim from him.im in ireland he in London
my kids dad stop paying me maintance for kids Iver month ago how can i claim for them please..

ChildSupportLaws Editor 12/10/2016 at 12:20 pm

Child maintenance and child access or custody have no bearing on each other and are completely separate issues. If your ex is not earning then it is very difficult to claim anything other than a flat rate of maintenance. It is unlikely your ex will be granted 'custody' of your child as there are very few cases where a court will take a child from one parent and hand him/her to another, unless abosolutely necessary. The court will always choose consistency and stability which generally the resident-parent can adequately provide.

sk 11/10/2016 at 7:09 pm

I would like to claim maintenance from the father of my children but he doesn't work and he doesn't want to pay either.

What happens in this case specially if the father is threatening custody?

Leigh 14/09/2016 at 6:22 pm

What number do I contact to get payment from an ex for my children he has not paid for 11 years csa couldn't trace him even wiv his address provided so couldn't help

ChildSupportLaws Editor 06/09/2016 at 2:13 pm

Please see REMO whichYou cannot apply for back pay if a claim has never previously been registered.

uk2nz 05/09/2016 at 9:22 pm

Hi, im enquiring about how to go about claiming child support from a citizen of the uk, to the mother of the child, who are both still citizens of the uk but now live in nz. And also if possible? Can she also claim back payments, if so how far is she entitledto go?

Thank you
Shay

Ora 27/08/2016 at 4:35 pm

I have two boys and their fathers didnt suport them even 1nce

ChildSupportLaws Editor 05/08/2016 at 2:19 pm

The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Order (REMO) Unit helps to register and enforce child maintenance orders internationally. However, I cannot see that UAE, or any countries under the UAE umbrella are members, please check here. For more information

Sun 05/08/2016 at 2:25 am

Hi
My ex lives in the uk and I'm working in the UAE how can I get child maintaince he is in arrears with CSA before I left and now is refusing to support the child. 11 years no child support

ChildSupportLaws Editor 07/04/2016 at 10:46 am

You can get help from the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders (REMO) Unit helpline here. However, I don't think Thailand is on the list of REMO countries, so you will have to double check. I hope this helps.

Mimidelalez 06/04/2016 at 6:53 am

My ex hasn't paid child maintenance for over a year and moved to Thailand 4 months ago, how can I get him to help with money or is there a way I can make sure if he ever comes back he is given the full bill of what he owes?

ChildSupportLaws Editor 05/04/2016 at 12:00 pm

If your ex is accessing child maintenance through the CMS, then you would have to contact the CMS directly with this information. You can see how much you should be paying via which

Marty 04/04/2016 at 12:34 pm

My ex has put in a new application in under the new system, for my 17 year old daughter,
Whilst I have no problem paying what is due, my ex however has said my daughter only stays one night a week, while in fact it is one week at each house, there is nothing in writing, it's just how it is she has knowing done this, and in my eyes,getting money from me I need to support my daughter, any advice please

ChildSupportLaws Editor 08/01/2016 at 12:26 pm

You mum would have to either negotiate directly with your dad. Or if the arrangement is made through the CSA/CMS or courts, she would have to refer it back to each agency in order to have the reasons looked in to. If you dad's circumstances have changed i.e he has lost is job or is not working for any reason, then he may not have to pay child support for the time he is out of work. If he has stopped paying for no particular reason and if payment is organised through the CSA/CMS court then arrears will accumulate and you father will be asked to pay the arrears to your mother.

Lolita1 07/01/2016 at 6:08 pm

My dad is meant to pay my Mom for 3 children but hasn't for 4 months. Now she's struggling financially. What should I do?

ChildSupportLaws Editor 02/11/2015 at 2:26 pm

The Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Order (REMO) Unit helps to register and enforce child maintenance orders internationally, for more information.

odehyi 01/11/2015 at 7:54 pm

I from Ghana and my nine months baby boy father lives in the uk,how can I get him to pay child support

R kid 20/10/2015 at 12:03 pm

Never ever get the CSA involved, they are a total disgrace and joke. The employees working for this circus have not a clue at what there job entails!!!

Nikki 15/10/2015 at 9:13 am

I live in the canary Islands and the father of my two children has not paid any maintenance for three months. I am desperate now. He does not answer his phone and will not give me his address, I called his work and he refuses to speak to me. How can I claim maintenance from him?

N 28/09/2015 at 9:06 pm

I have a 22 months old son, his father has the custody and he sent him on a one month vacation to Iran, he has only came back a week ago and his father is saying he wants to send him back again. I don't want him to go away again and I was wondering if he can do that ?!

ChildSupportLaws Editor 22/09/2015 at 2:35 pm

Did he have financial changes during this period he needed to report? If he hasn't reported changes i.e, a wage rise, change of employment etc, it could stem from there, please see gov.uk whichIt means there is little you can do apart from appeal or complain

ChildSupportLaws Editor 22/09/2015 at 2:23 pm

If you wanted to apply, you would have to go through the CMS. Please see your options via whichI hope this helps.

HT 21/09/2015 at 8:25 pm

Can you help. My partner has paid csa all up to date for nearly 18 years.they have now written to him saying he was reassessed in 2011 and owes 6500. The direct debit was never increased and no further correspondence re the assesment received. He's never been made aware of any increase but they are saying he must pay....... Is there anything he can do ?? Thanks

Chloee 21/09/2015 at 7:39 pm

Hi. My son is 2 years old. His father keeps threating to stop giving me money every week depending on what mood he is in. He doesn't help with nursery fairs either. Also he's not classed as living anywhere but stays at his mam's. I was wondering how I would fair if I go through the csa. Thanks

Filmer 18/09/2015 at 11:09 am

My kids dad should if paid me £5 a week for my 2 kids but he was not I had the csa stoped but can I put back in for it I know he works just don't know where not know where he is living ever would the b able to fine that all out if I give them his name and date of birth

ChildSupportLaws Editor 18/08/2015 at 2:12 pm

You don't say why he is dropping the payments, is it because of reduced financial circumstances? If so, then the CMS may not be able to get any extra from him. However, if his payments are irregular, and not due to any dowturn in income, then the CMS (although they may charge) may be the best way forward.

Indian40 17/08/2015 at 8:54 pm

Hi..I've been getting agreed maintenance for my son for three years..it used to be 250 a month but he's been dropping it and now I get 150 a month..wondered if it was best to go through these channels and get set payments each month without him dropping them more..thanks

ChildSupportLaws Editor 11/08/2015 at 11:57 am

You should be able to. I have included a link to the CMS website here which should help you further.

george 09/08/2015 at 1:21 am

My15 year old stepson has come to live with us ,my husband has been paying maintenance since he was 2 and csa for the last 8 years ,can we now claim csa off his mum as we are caring for him full time thanks

mojo 12/07/2015 at 10:07 pm

I previously closed a case for my children due to the fathe not working. Now he is I was hoping I could restart my claim. I've asked on several occasions for him to help with costs and he refuses. I have two children. Please advise

Regards

nokthula 30/06/2015 at 4:10 pm

Hy I've claimed the mantainance for about 2 years now at the mantainance court, and since he paid 4 times only and its only R400.00 evry month but he earn R8000.00 .when I want to know why am I not getting any money thy say they are investigating ....bt I dnt c changes the baby is growing plz help I'm frm south africa

bash 20/06/2015 at 5:05 pm

hi I have a 18 month old son and his father didn't turn up to put his name on birth certificate, now he is saying our son is not his , can I still go to csa for money for my son as he already pays an ex through csa for his other 3 children and could I get a DNA test done to prove he is the father ?

ChildSupportLaws Editor 06/05/2015 at 11:09 am

@cruella - I have included the REMO list of 'countries where you can enforce child maintenance decisions' here. It also includes guidance on how to apply for child maintenance if one parent lives abroad. I hope this helps.

cruella 06/05/2015 at 1:06 am

Can someone help me in finding out how and whether i can claim child support from Namibia, Africa from a father in the UK. He used to live here and returned to the UK last Dec and since not paid any money.. i know he is working and earning. Is there any legal help or ways to get him to pay...

ChildSupportLaws Editor 17/03/2015 at 9:45 am

@miss enormous - if he refuses to pay and you you can't agree on a family-based arrangement, then you can make a claim through Child Maintenance Options, Be warned, it does make a charge. However, in the first instance you can call its helpline or read the page for advice. I hope this helps.

miss enormous. 13/03/2015 at 5:59 pm

Hi I have a 2 year son. and im not getting any money from his father.

He had a job recently and I asked him for money for our kid but kept making excuses to say he doesnt get paid enough, and that he has to give his mum. But yet again he buys himself a new coat and shoes and weed.

Now his got a new job and his trying to hide it from me. Please help. I let him see his kid but have stopped now because im fed up.

He says he will give me but I dont trust me. He keeps saying that anx then something comes up.

ChildSupportLaws Editor 16/03/2015 at 9:44 am

@PRAT - You may be interested in the article Can I Get Back Pay for Child Maintenance? whichIf you are unhappy with the way the CSA has dealt with your claim, you can complain. I hope this helps.

PRAT 12/03/2015 at 5:54 pm

MY EX HUSBAND HASN'T PAYED ANY MONEY AT ALL SINCE 1999, HE HAS GOT AWAY WITH IT FOR ALL THIS TIME, HOW COULD YOU OF LET THIS HAPPEN. I NOW WANT TO MAKE A FRESH ONE. THANKS. MY EX IS SICICILIAN, I KNOW WHERE HE LIVES IN STOKE ON TRENT SURRY IN A FLAT

Helen 01/02/2015 at 11:23 am

Hello I have a son of 13 years old and I have never had a penny off is dad I am in Worcester how do I go about putting a clam in plz

Chioma 28/09/2013 at 4:57 pm

Hi please how can I claim child maintenance for my three children, whom their father lives in the United State, and refuses to assist with their financial welfare

cazzy 06/04/2013 at 10:12 am

Hi everyone im in a situation where my partner pays his ex £150 a month in cash for his 2 children but I have 3 children with him and he doesnt give me a penny for them so I have asked him to lower his payments to£100 a month so he can give me some money for our 3 children. he has told me dont tell me how much I can give her a month. I dont know what to do please help!!!!

Hannah woolfall 29/10/2012 at 2:06 pm

Hi Leanne I'm in the exact same boat! My son is 3 and a half and split from his dad nearly 2 years now for the first few months he messed my son and myself around and didn't give a pen y then he started contributing small payments but they soon became irregular but I still allowed him to see our son as I want nothin more than him to have his father in his life! But after all the messing about he has done and lies he has told I have ha enough now! After asking him for £40 a week as my son is now in nursery school and have to place him in private nursery twice a week which is £20 a day! As a single parent renting I have to provide every day stuff for my son aswell and clothes ect as you know they grow so fast! About a month half ago maybe 2months his nan (fathers side) asked to have my son for the weekend which I said was fine, his dad was living there therefore I knew he would see him! After then she asked again which I didn't agree to as he is still messing him about and not providing for him. She hen handed me a council tax card she said she found in my sons pocket and asked me why her sons name was on it? Which baffled me after researching, he has his own place and working but not legit! Which is dam right cheeky! After speaking to him about this he threatened me if I go CSA he will make my life and my son life hell! He has further lied amount o times to which has made me go CSA now! I have his mums address and the separate address so hopefully they can get hold of him x hope you sort it out Hun! Pathetic men arnt they

leanne 24/10/2012 at 3:44 pm

Hi please help, my daughters father has not paid maintenance since June and the CSA have said that he is not down as claiming benefits and that the HMRC dont show him down under employment or paying tax, they now want to park my issue which i dont feel is fair, is there anything than can be done to trace him, i hold his mums address which i know he stays from time to time but dont know what his actual living address is down as and dont really know much more, thanks x

Caro 08/10/2012 at 6:13 pm

Can someone help me,i am german my sons father is british, armed forces, but he doesnt wants to pay for our son as he says when he is back home the german lawyer will never find him anyways

Abbie Editor 28/06/2012 at 3:15 pm

@Sammy You can download child support claim forms off the DWP website, fill them in and send them off as soon as possible (the address will be on the forms). You are not the one who is disputing whether or not he is the father of your child, he is the one doing that and therefore it is up to him to sort out and pay for a DNA test which I'm sure he will do once he is contacted by the CSA after they receive your forms! If it is proven that he is the father he will have to pay towards his daughters upkeep whether he is a part of her life or not. Good luck to you and your baby girl.

sammy 28/06/2012 at 2:38 pm

Hi, I have a 10week old daughter and her father walked away from us as soon as he found out I was pregnant, he was born 10weeks premiture and has been through a lot in her short life! I have offerd her dad and his family to see her all the time but he's not interested and is asking for a DNA test but we both know he his the father as I was with him for nearly 4 years! What do I do about claiming csa would I need to give a dna test? If you could get back possible that would be most helpful. Thanks

DIE PADDA 21/06/2012 at 12:48 pm

hey I am a 19 year old cn I still claim maitance from my father as he never dd anything for me

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