When parents separate, one of the big questions that comes up is, “What happens about money for the kids?”
It’s completely normal to wonder that. Most parents want to do what’s right but aren’t sure where to start. That’s where the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) comes in… they help work out what a fair contribution looks like.
In simple terms, the CMS looks at how much the paying parent earns and how much time the children spend with each parent. They also take into account whether there are any other children being supported at home.
Here’s a rough idea of how it’s worked out:
- Around 12% of gross weekly income for one child
- 16% for two
- 19% for three or more
Those figures can change if the children stay overnight for at least 52 nights a year — so it’s not one fixed number for everyone.
Some parents prefer to sort things out privately, which is fine if both sides are comfortable with it. But if that doesn’t go smoothly, or if there’s uncertainty later on, the CMS can step in and make an official calculation.
The aim isn’t to make things difficult – it’s to make sure children get the support they need and that things feel fair for both parents.
If you’re not sure where to begin, getting advice early can really help. It takes a bit of the pressure off and helps you understand what’s realistic before any decisions are made.
Our team have advised and helped lots of parents find practical solutions that work for their families. Whether you need help understanding CMS calculations or just want to talk things through, we’re happy to listen.
You can reach us at info@lundbennett.com or give us a call on 0161 924 0079 – no obligation, just a friendly chat about what comes next.
Because at the end of the day, it’s about doing what’s best for your children — and having a bit of guidance along the way can make all the difference.