Maintenance and the courts

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Updated 13/08/08

This factsheet deals with:

who can ask the courts to deal with child and/or spousal maintenance;
what the courts consider when an application for maintenance is made; and
what happens if you have a court order and there is a change in circumstances.

It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the law. Always seek legal advice before entering into an agreement about maintenance or making an application to a court.

When can the court deal with child maintenance?

Can my child apply for maintenance?

What is a Consent Order?

What does the court consider when setting child maintenance?

Can I apply for maintenance for myself?

What happens if I have a court order but circumstances change?

What can I do if I have an order but maintenance is not being paid?

What if the NRP lives abroad?

Further information from One Parent Families

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the court and the CSA?

Update: maintenance changes in 2008

Glossary

Child Support Agency (CSA): an agency of the Department for Work and Pensions which works out, collects and enforces maintenance payments from non-resident parents.

Non-resident parent (NRP): the parent who lives apart from the children for whom maintenance is being claimed.

Parent with care (PWC): the parent who lives with and has the day-to-day care of the child/ren.

Periodical maintenance: Regular sums of money paid for maintenance, for example, weekly or monthly.

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