Come to an agreement between yourself and the other parent

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Making arrangements for child maintenance factsheet

Advantages

Reaching an agreement avoids conflict and makes it more likely the maintenance will be paid.
You can start to receive payments straight away.
You can still apply to the CSA later if things do not work out (see below).

Disadvantages

You both need to be able to negotiate the amount that has to be paid. You will each have to consider what the non-resident parent can afford as well as the needs of the children. If you have difficulty communicating with one another, or if one person feels intimidated by the other, you are unlikely to be able to come to an agreement that is fair for everyone.
If the agreement breaks down or the non-resident parent does not make some or all of the payments, you have no immediate way of making them pay or recovering the missed maintenance.
If you claim Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, you do not have a choice about how you make arrangements for child maintenance as your claim is also treated as an application to the CSA unless you state that you do not want the CSA to be involved. If you think there may be a risk of harm or undue distress to you or a child living with you if the CSA is involved, state on your claim form that you wish to opt out or ask for time to think about it and call the Lone Parent Helpline (0800 018 5026) for advice and our Opting out factsheet.


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Lone parents caring for a child with a disability or long- term health problem

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