As from 30 June parents can choose whether to use the new Child Maintenance Service (CMS) or they can make their own child support arrangements. To use the CMS involves a one-off £20 application fee. Thereafter no fees are paid by parents who make their own payment arrangements. Only if the CMS is asked to collect payments will a further charge be made. Enforcement charges range from £50 up to £300 if an absent parent evading payment is pursued by the CMS.
Following the launch of the CMS, the Child Support Agency (CSA) will be closed over the next 3 years as its existing cases are concluded.
The CMS's launch is part of the attempt to reform the child maintenance system.
www.gov.uk/government/news/fairness-for-families-children-and-taxpayers-as-new-child-maintenance-system-is-launched
To work out what child support applies if you are recently separated check on line using the maintenance calculator http://www.cmoptions.org/
or contact me for more guidance at Vanessa.McMurtrie@mtg.uk.net
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