Child maintenance - The Divorce Podcast

In this episode, Kate is joined by Jack Gillis from the single-parent charity, Gingerbread, to discuss child maintenance and the Child Maintenance Service.

What is the Child Maintenance Service?

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) is a government agency that helps separated or divorced parents arrange financial support for their children.

It was set up to ensure that non-residential parents (typically the one who isn’t the main caregiver of the children) contribute financially to the upbringing of their children.

The CMS calculates the amount of child maintenance the non-residential parent should pay based on their income, the number of children involved, and other factors.

Meet our guest

Jack is the Advice Service Manager at Gingerbread and is responsible for the single parents’ helpline and webchat service. Gingerbread has supported and championed single parents since 1918. They’ve changed laws, influenced the government and challenged stigma and stereotypes. Their expert advice and information help tens of thousands of single parents every year.

Episode #90: Child maintenance with Gingerbread

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Episode summary

Kate and Jack begin the episode by looking at the basics of child maintenance, including what it is and when you might be expected to pay. Jack explains the difference between private arrangements and going through the child maintenance service, or CMS.

They explore the pros and cons of private arrangements and the enforcement powers of the CMS if you’re the receiving parent and you aren’t being paid. They also touch on the benefits available for single parents and how to renegotiate arrangements if circumstances change, such as a one-parent losing a job.

Gingerbread has a wealth of knowledge on child maintenance so remember to get in touch with them if you need more support.

How to contact Gingerbread:

• Gingerbread's helpline - 0808 802 0925
• Gingerbread website
• Advice and support services