Related Laws

Understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a parent during separation or divorce. Articles cover entitlements, complaints procedures, tribunals and representation options.

Child Maintenance Payments: Your Entitlement

Get child support payments from the non-resident parent through private agreement or the Child Maintenance Service.

Child Support and the Children Act 1989

How the Children Act 1989 shapes child support decisions and parental rights in UK family law.

Child Support and the Family Law Act 1996

How the Family Law Act 1996 handles child support, divorce mediation, and protective orders like Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders.

Child Support and the Human Rights Act 1998

How Article 8 of the Human Rights Act protects family relationships and what it means for child support cases.

Child Support Law and Parental Responsibility

How parental responsibility affects your child support obligations and what you need to know about your legal position.

CMS Complaints, Appeals and Tribunals

If the Child Maintenance Service gets your payment wrong or won't pay what you're owed, you can complain, appeal or take it to tribunal.

Divorce and the Law Regarding Payments

When you divorce, you'll need to sort out payments for the home, possessions and potentially children through court orders or mutual agreement.

Legal Rights for Separating Parents

Know your legal rights as a separating parent, including parental responsibility and decisions about where your children live.

Seeking Child Support Representation

Get help navigating child support claims if you're facing delays, payment issues or disputes with the Child Maintenance Service.

The Different Types of Contact Orders

Contact orders spell out who your child sees, how often and in what way, whether that's face-to-face or through calls and emails.

The Law and Single Fathers

Unmarried fathers without a Parental Responsibility Agreement have limited legal rights but can apply to court for contact and must pay child support.

The Law and Single Mothers

Single mothers have fewer legal protections and financial security than married mothers when relationships end.

What Are Parents' Rights on Separation?

When parents separate, you have legal rights and responsibilities regarding custody, contact and financial support for your child.

Your Legal Rights as a Parent

Know what custody orders, maintenance payments and parenting plans mean for your relationship with your child after separation.