Child maintenance

If you want to arrange child maintenance, you can either do this with your child's other parent directly, or through the Child Maintenance System (CMS).

Our information helps you understand how to arrange child maintenance payments and use the CMS. We also have information on challenging a child maintenance calculation, complaining about the CMS, and how to use the CMS if you are a victim of domestic abuse.

The CMS has replaced the Child Support Agency (CSA). If you have outstanding arrears from a CSA case it may be possible to make a last attempt to collect that debt under some circumstances. Contact our helpline for advice on this.

Challenging your calculation

The information you need depends on whether you receive child maintenance through the Child Support Agency ('CSA') or the Child...

Child maintenance charges

If you want to use the Child Maintenance Service there are some fees and charges that can apply. Some parents...

Domestic abuse and child maintenance

If you have experienced domestic abuse the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) should make sure you can make a claim for...

Enforcing payments

If your child's other parent stops paying child maintenance without your agreement, there are options available to you.

How to complain to the Child Support Agency

This guide explains how to complain if you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received from the Child Support Agency (CSA)....

Making arrangements for child maintenance

Child maintenance is the money a parent pays towards their child’s upbringing. There are different ways to arrange child maintenance...

Using the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)

This factsheet is for single parents who are thinking of using the Child Maintenance Service (CMS).