How Much Is Basic Rate Child Maintenance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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On the basic rate, if you're paying for: one child, you'll pay 12% of your gross weekly income . two children, you'll pay 16% of your gross weekly income. three or more children, you'll pay 19% of your gross weekly income.

How much is child maintenance per month UK?

Gross weekly income Rate Weekly amount Unknown or not provided Default £38 for 1 child, £51 for 2 children, £61 for 3 or more children Below £7 Nil £0 £7 to £100, or if the paying parent gets benefits Flat £7 £100.01 to £199.99 Reduced Calculated using a formula

Do I have to pay child maintenance if it's 50 50 custody?

If you have shared care for at least 52 nights a year, you don't need to pay any child maintenance .

Is child maintenance based on gross or net income?

One of the main changes introduced under the new regime is that, for all new applications, the amount of child maintenance payable will now be made by reference to the non-resident parent's (“NRP”) gross income . Gross income will be based on gross income figures without any deductions for tax or national insurance.

What should child maintenance cover UK?

Child maintenance covers the cost of the everyday care of the child, such as food, clothes, and housing . Expenses such as school fees do not fall under child maintenance – parents who are getting a divorce can make a “Family Based Arrangement” to deal with costs like this.

How much do you have to pay child support?

Assuming you're on the basic rate, you'll need to pay: 12% of your gross weekly income for one child . 16% of your gross weekly income for two children. 19% of your gross weekly income for three or more children.

Do I still pay child maintenance if my ex remarries?

The answer is no. When parents divorce, the absent parent (“paying parent”) is obliged by law to pay child maintenance to the parent caring for the child (“receiving parent”) .

Do mothers have more rights than fathers UK?

The short answer to your question is yes, fathers do have the same parental rights as mothers . However, you should know that in the UK, whereas a mum automatically obtains parental responsibility as soon as her child is born, the situation is a bit more complicated for the dad.

How long do you pay child maintenance?

You're normally expected to pay child maintenance until your child is 16, or until they're 20 if they're in school or college full-time studying for: A-levels . Highers, or . equivalent .

How old does a baby have to be to stay overnight with father UK?

The welfare of the child is always the court's top priority, so those under 18 months old are considered suitable to visit their father (or noncustodial parent) for a few hours at a time, but due to their need for routine and familiarity, overnight stays are generally not recommended .

Are school dinners included in child maintenance?

Child maintenance payments are designed to cover the everyday needs of the child such as food, clothing and housing. School fees are not usually covered under child maintenance , but a family-based arrangement can be created to cover this.

Do fathers legally have to pay child maintenance?

Arranging child maintenance

When possible, you should make sure your child is looked after by having an effective maintenance arrangement in place. Both parents are legally responsible for the financial costs of bringing up their children , even parents who don't live with their children.

Can child maintenance be reduced?

If payments are reduced or stopped (unless agreed between you), you will be in breach of the court order . If you genuinely can't meet payments because your income has fallen, you can ask the court to reduce the amount of child maintenance you need to pay.

What happens if a paying parent doesn't pay child maintenance?

Under a child maintenance arrangement, child maintenance is usually paid by the parent who does not have day-to-day care of the child or does not usually live with the child. If this payment is not forthcoming, the receiving parent could launch a civil legal claim .

How far back can I claim child maintenance UK?

There is currently no time limit for how far back CSA can claim arrears from . So, even if you've not heard about your payments for many years, you may still receive a call or letter about it in future.

Does child maintenance include clubs?

Unfortunately, the answer is usually “no” . If the non-resident parent is paying child maintenance in accordance with the relevant child maintenance guidelines, there is no obligation on them to provide additional financial support to cover the cost of clubs and other activities.

Do I have to pay child maintenance if I'm not on the birth certificate?

If an unwed father is not listed on the birth certificate, he has no legal rights to the child. This includes no obligation to paying child support and no rights to visitation to custody or child support. If no father is listed on the birth certificate, the mother has sole legal rights and responsibility of the child.

How much can child maintenance take from Universal Credit?

Additionally, the 2018 Autumn Budget announced that the maximum amount that can be deducted from Universal Credit will reduce from 40% to 30% of a claimant's standard allowance .

Can I pay child maintenance direct to my child?

If parents reach an agreement over child support, and there is no Child Maintenance Service or court involvement, then it is possible to agree to pay the child maintenance direct to the child .

Does marriage affect child maintenance?

Whether or not you have remarried, or your ex-partner has remarried, does not affect the obligation to continue paying child maintenance .

Do I have to pay half the mortgage and child maintenance?

Married: If you are married to the child's parent then it does not matter who owns the family home . If the child support does not cover the mortgage payments and household bills, your ex-spouse could apply for spousal maintenance.

Can I go after my ex husband's new wife for child support UK?

There are no grounds for reducing child maintenance on the basis that your ex-wife is living with a new partner . Your obligation to pay child maintenance continues regardless of your ex-wife's circumstances.

How often should a dad see his child?

Each family is unique and reasonable access for fathers depends on the individual circumstances. Some fathers see their children every day, while others might see them just once a month . Parents might share responsibilities and alternate weekend contact, or some fathers may have weekend contact every week.

How does a father lose parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility can only be terminated by the Court and this usually only happens if a child is adopted or the Court discharges an Order that resulted in parental responsibility being acquired.

Can a dad take his child from the mother UK?

If there are genuine concerns about the child's safety and/or wellbeing when the child is with the mother, the father can remove the child from the mother but the father must make an emergency application to the court to get the current arrangements changed prior to removing the child.

Emily Lee
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Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.