Legal News

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says that new figures show that thousands of children are benefiting from their separated parents working together on child maintenance arrangements, with the parents of more than 15,900 children having set up family-based arrangements for paying child maintenance after receiving information and support from Child Maintenance Options.

The scheme was set up in 2008 to help separated parents work together in the best interests of their children – and provides free, impartial support to help parents come to their own arrangements.

If that is not possible, they can turn to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) which supports parents to manage payments between themselves where they can – and helps those in difficult or vulnerable situations.

Minister for Welfare Delivery, Caroline Nokes , said:

“We know children grow up to have better health, emotional wellbeing and educational attainment if their parents – whether together or separated – have a positive relationship.

“All children deserve the best start in life and that’s why, through Child Maintenance Options, we encourage separated couples to work together in the best interests of their children.

“But we also understand a minority of separated parents – especially those in difficult or vulnerable circumstances – won’t be able to come to their own arrangements and our staff can give them that extra help.”

Of the family-based arrangements made by parents, payments were regularly being made by 87% of parents.

The CMS is replacing the old Child Support Agency, which the DWP says failed families because it was overly complex and did not encourage collaboration – as well as not offering value for taxpayers’ money.

Child Maintenance Options is a free service that provides impartial information and support to help separated parents make decisions about their child maintenance arrangements.

The DWP says that, although talking about child maintenance might feel like the last thing parents want to do – especially if a relationship is strained – in the long run, having a conversation as early as possible could mean working together as parents, rather than against each other.

DWP Child Maintenance Options Service, Manager Ian Wilkins, said:

“It can be tough when a family separates, but we know it is better for children if their parents can work together to reach an agreement on caring for them, including decisions about financial arrangements.

“Our staff are highly trained in providing support to separated – and separating – parents, and have vast experience of dealing with a wide range of separation issues.

“If you require any information or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.”

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors

Duncan Lewis family solicitors can advise on a wide range of family and child care matters, including:

• Child abuse


• Child care arrangements


• Child maintenance


• Children taken into Local Authority care


• Civil Partnerships


• Court Orders


• Court of Protection


• Divorce


• Domestic violence & honour crimes


• Dowry disputes


• FGM


• Forced marriage


• International child abduction


• International marriage and divorce


• Islamic marriage and divorce


• Property disputes


• Separation agreements


• Spouse abandonment


• Wills and trusts.