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Child support in the UK, including Manchester, is governed by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). The child support laws are designed to ensure that both parents contribute to the financial upkeep of their children after separation or divorce. This contribution is meant to cater for basic needs such as food, clothing, and accommodation for a child. It can be arranged privately through a family-based arrangement or via the CMS. Regardless of the arrangement, it's always important to ensure you're within the realms of the law, hence the need to understand child support law.
Legal assistance may be necessary in several situations. When you and your ex-partner cannot agree on how much one should pay, a lawyer can help facilitate negotiations. A lawyer’s input will also be crucial when there are disputes about the child’s living arrangements, or when one parent starts neglecting their financial obligations towards child support. A lawyer can also provide advice when you feel the assessment from CMS is not accurate or fair. Therefore, having a lawyer to guide you is important in such murky situations.
Under local laws particularly relevant to child support in Manchester, non-residential parents are required to contribute to the child's living costs. The CMS uses a specific formula based on the non-residential parent's gross income, the number of nights the child stays over, and other factors. The gross income is usually obtained from tax records. In case the non-residential parent has other kids they are responsible for, those kids are considered in the assessment as well.
The CMS uses a specific formula that factors in the income of the non-residential parent, the number of nights the child stays over, and the number of children that need to be supported.
Yes, child support can be reassessed if there are changes in income, custody arrangements and the number of children.
The CMS has enforcement actions that can be taken including taking money directly from their earnings or through court action.
Yes, if the child is still in full-time non-advanced education (up to and including A-level or equivalent) or if the child is 19 and has not completed such education.
The duration may vary as it depends on the complexity of each specific case. However, it usually takes a few weeks to months.
Some additional resources include the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) and Citizens Advice. These organisations can provide further assistance and advice in relation to child support matters.
If you need legal assistance in Child Support, look for a solicitor experienced in family law or a family law advocacy service in Manchester. A preliminary consultation will help identify if you need such assistance and the lawyer will be able to guide you on the next best steps.
