Child maintenance is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of children after the separation or divorce of their parents. It is a financial contribution that one parent provides to the other for the care and upbringing of their child. However, what child maintenance covers can vary depending on several factors. In this article, we will delve into the details of what child maintenance typically includes.
What may be covered in child maintenance?
- Basic Living Expenses: Child maintenance is primarily intended to cover the basic living expenses of the child. This includes necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. The paying parent is expected to contribute to these fundamental aspects of the child’s life to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
- Educational Costs: Education is a significant aspect of a child’s development. Child maintenance often covers educational expenses, including school fees, uniforms, textbooks, and other related costs. Ensuring that a child has access to quality education is a shared responsibility of both parents.
- Medical and Healthcare Expenses: Another crucial component of child maintenance is the coverage of medical and healthcare expenses. This includes doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and any other healthcare-related costs. Both parents are typically expected to contribute to the child’s well-being in this regard.
- Childcare and Extracurricular Activities: Child maintenance may extend to cover childcare expenses, especially for working parents. Additionally, it can include fees for extracurricular activities such as sports, music lessons, or other hobbies that contribute to the child’s overall development and well-rounded upbringing.
- Housing and Utility Costs: The paying parent may be required to contribute to the child’s housing and utility costs. This ensures that the child has a safe and comfortable living environment, maintaining stability during what might be a challenging time for them.
- Special Needs Support: If a child has special needs or requires additional support, child maintenance may cover these specific expenses. This can include therapies, specialized equipment, or any other resources necessary to meet the child’s unique requirements.
- Travel and Visitation Expenses: In cases where parents live in different locations, child maintenance may also cover travel expenses for visitation purposes. This ensures that the non-custodial parent can maintain a meaningful relationship with the child despite the physical distance.
Read our previously published article on What age do you stop paying Child Maintenance?
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of keeping in regular contact with the child or children you pay child maintenance for – for example, the cost of fuel to travel between your home and the child’s home. costs to support children who live with you if they have a disability or a long-term illness.
On the basic rate, if you’re paying for one child, you’ll pay 12% of your gross weekly income. two children, you’ll pay 16% of your gross weekly income. three or more children, you’ll pay 19% of your gross weekly income.
Child maintenance payments cover everyday living expenses for the child. For example, this includes food, housing, and clothing. There is currently no law in place that states the primary carer must provide evidence of spending child maintenance solely on everyday living expenses for the child.
