How does child maintenance work in England & Wales?

For more podcast episodes, subscribe to my You Tube Channel

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a topic that touches thousands of separated families: child maintenance. 💷 Whether you’re newly separated or years post-divorce, understanding how financial support for children works can feel like navigating a maze — with private arrangements, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), and court orders all in the mix.

Joining me is Henry Dawson, a family solicitor who advises clients on all aspects of family law. Henry has a particular interest in cases involving Japan 🇯🇵 and child relocation, both within the UK and internationally.

Together, we’ll demystify the process and help you understand your options, including:

👶 What is child maintenance and who has to pay it?

🧮 How is child maintenance calculated?

🤝 When should parents use the CMS vs a private arrangement?

🚫 What can you do if one parent isn’t paying?

🔄 Can child maintenance change over time?

💔 How does it fit with other financial matters in divorce?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make child maintenance fair, workable, and stress-free — this episode is for you.

You might also be interested in

Family mediation made easier: tips for success

My name’s not on the deeds: do I still have a claim if we separate?

Should I get a divorce? Here’s what to ask yourself first

What happens to the family business in divorce?

In my clients' words