Financial support for children (child maintenance)
We understand the end of a relationship is very stressful, and we know that you will want to make the situation as easy as possible for your child and that you will want to ensure that you continue to provide your child with everything he or she needs. This is why, where possible, we recommend a voluntary child support agreement, so as to keep relations as friendly as possible.
Alternatively, if the parents cannot agree to a child maintenance agreement, the Child Support Agency (CSA) can carry out child support assessments and we can advise you on interim child maintenance payments to ensure your child is financially taken care of.
Further, an unmarried parent of a child can seek financial provision for that child, which empowers the Court to make one or more of the following financial orders:
- Child maintenance (in addition to the maximum maintenance as assessed currently by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission), which can include the cost of a nanny, school fees and in some cases, the costs of university education; and
- A capital lump sum for costs directly referable to the child, for example, the purchase of a car or the costs of equipping the child's home; and
- A transfer or settlement of property for the purpose of providing a home for the child during their minority.