Child maintenance

How can I set up a child maintenance arrangement?

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There are two main ways to set up child maintenance. The right option depends on your circumstances and what feels safe for you.

1) Family-based (private) arrangement

A private arrangement is one you agree directly with the other parent. Together you decide:

  • how much will be paid
  • how often
  • whether support includes cash, bank transfers, or contributions “in kind” (e.g., clothing, school items)

This type of arrangement is flexible and can be adapted as your situation changes.

A family-based (private) arrangement is beneficial because:

  • it is free to set up
  • it is quick and flexible
  • payments can be tailored to your child’s needs
  • direct and quick communication can be maintained between parents, where safe and appropriate

It is important to consider the following when making a family-based (private) arrangement: 

  • child maintenance arrangements made through a private arrangement are not legally enforceable if payments stop
  • private arrangements may be difficult where communication between parents is strained or there are safety concerns

Helpful resources are:

2) Child Maintenance Service (CMS)

The CMS is a statutory government service that can calculate, arrange, and enforce child maintenance. Different payment routes exist (Direct Pay or Collect and Pay). 

What the CMS can do:

  • work out the amount the paying parent must contribute
  • arrange payments between parents
  • take action if payments stop for any reason
  • resolve disputes about parentage
  • help find the other parent if contact has been lost
  • protect your personal details if you are experiencing domestic abuse or do not want the other parent to know your address

How CMS payments work – Direct Pay and Collect & Pay

When you use the Child Maintenance Service, there are two main ways that payments can be managed. Both methods are based on the official CMS calculation, but they differ in how money is transferred between parents.

CMS decides which method is used after your application and will confirm the arrangement in writing.

Direct Pay

With Direct Pay, the CMS works out how much maintenance should be paid, but payments are made directly from the paying parent to the receiving parent.

  • no collection fees apply
  • parents agree how and when the payments will be made (for example, as standing orders)
  • you must keep a record of payments, as CMS may ask for evidence if there is a missed or disputed payment

If payments are not made in full or on time, CMS can move the case to the Collect & Pay method.

Collect & Pay

With Collect & Pay, the CMS collects payments from the paying parent and passes them on to the receiving parent.

  • CMS may collect payments through methods such as Direct Debit or deductions taken directly from earnings or certain benefits
  • if parents use this specific CMS service to collect and distribute child maintenance between each other, charges will apply.  For paying parents, a 20% fee is added to each regular payment.  For receiving parents, a 4% fee is deducted from each regular payment.
  • Collect & Pay is used when a parent cannot pay safely through Direct Pay or if previous payments were missed

Arranging child maintenance through the CMS can be beneficial as:

  • they provide official calculations of how much maintenance needs to be paid based on income and the number of nights the child stays with each parent
  • the CMS can enforce missed or late payments
  • the CMS offers safeguarding measures if you do not want the other parent to have your contact or bank details

It is important to consider the following when making an arrangement through CMS: 

  • CMS may charge fees for some services (e.g. “Collect and Pay”).  See GOV.UK guidance for current fees
  • processing can take time depending on your case, and timelines can vary.

Helpful resources are: