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Child Support Law in Leicester, United Kingdom is governed by the Child Support Act of 1991, complemented by subsequent legislative changes. The law primarily focuses on ensuring that both parents contribute financially to their child's upbringing, even if one parent is not resident with the child. The requirement of financial support typically remains until the child is 16 years old, or up to 20 years old if they are in approved education or training.
Child Support law can be daunting and complex to navigate, especially in situations of divorce or separation. A lawyer can help in determining the child support amount, dealing with non-compliance of payments, cases involving cross-border disputes, paternity disputes, and when changes need to be made to existing agreements because of altered circumstances. Furthermore, if your case requires court representation, you would certainly need a lawyer to advocate for your best interests.
In Leicester, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) calculates child support based on the non-residential parent's gross income, the number of nights the child spends with them, and the number of other children they financially support. The CMS then applies a certain percentage of the paying parent's gross weekly income to calculate the child support. The percentage differs based on earning bracket. The child support might be subject to a reduction if the child stays overnight with the non-resident parent for a certain number of nights per year.
The CMS has enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the payment. This could include deductions from wages or benefits, court action, or charges on property.
If the child spends equal amounts of time with both parents, the parent who does not receive the child benefit would normally have to pay child support. The amount will depend on their income.
Yes, if the circumstances of the parents or the child change substantially, the child support amount can be recalculated. This requires the agreement of both parents or intervention from CMS.
Under UK law, only biological parents or those who have adopted a child have a legal responsibility for child support. Nevertheless, a step-parent's income might be taken into account if it substantially affects the other parent's ability to pay.
Child support obligations do not cease from being unemployed or having reduced income. The minimum maintenance is required to be paid unless the non-residential parent is not earning due to being in prison or long-term residential care.
The official government website provides a wealth of information concerning child support laws and minimum maintenance calculation. The Child Maintenance Service is also a key organization relevant to child support issues. You may also consider reaching out to local non-profit organizations or legal advice centers for further help.
Should you need legal assistance for child support matters in Leicester, the first step you should take is to find a solicitor specializing in child support or family law. The solicitor can provide necessary advice, explain your legal rights and responsibilities, and, if necessary, represent you in court proceedings.
