Our Top Tips On Calculating Child Maintenance

• Published date: 13 October 2021
• Subject Matter: Family and Matrimonial, Family Law
• Law Firm: Shoosmiths
• Author: Ms Caroline Watson and Nicola Wilburn-Shaw

Many separating parents use the Government's online calculator to agree their child maintenance payments.

We are fully supportive of parents reaching their own agreements, however using the online calculator may not always result in the right payment if parents are not fully conversant with the rules. Even parents who formally apply for an assessment by the Child Maintenance Service (previously The Child Support Agency) need to be on their guard.

Tip 1: Ensure you use accurate and up to date gross income figures

Maintenance calculations will be based on gross income figures without any deductions for tax or national insurance. Income will include employment income, pension income (but not UK social security pension), social security income and trading income (after any carry forward trade loss relief). Gross income is then adjusted to take account of any pension...