Zubair and Judge Law has meticulously completed the conveyance for us and kept us informed at each stage. I have done quite a few conveyancing but this one clearly stands out in terms of attention to details and the due diligence in the process. I would use them again and…
Child maintenance solicitors
Windsor, London & across England & Wales
Who pays what to support the children after a separation can be confusing, and stressful. We explain clearly how child maintenance works, what the Child Maintenance Service covers, and when a family-based arrangement or a court order is the better route for you.
✓ Authorised & regulated by the SRA ✓ Free initial call ✓ Fixed-fee & hourly options ✓ CMS, agreements & court orders
01753 770 775Call anytimeDay or night, someone always answers. Office hours Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm.
Request a CallbackNo obligation. Tell us a little about your situation and we will call you back at a time that suits you.
Child maintenance is the financial support paid towards a child’s everyday living costs by the parent they mainly live apart from. It sounds simple, but the rules, the Child Maintenance Service and the exceptions can be confusing. We explain how it is worked out for your situation, help you reach a fair arrangement, and step in where the standard system does not fit. Tell us a little about your situation, and we will explain your options, from the first call.
What we can help with
How maintenance is calculated
How the Child Maintenance Service formula works, based on income and the number of nights the children stay.
Family-based arrangements
Agreeing maintenance directly, on clear terms, without going through the CMS, where that works better for you.
When the CMS is not enough
For higher earners, school fees or extra needs, we advise on top-up maintenance and court orders.
Enforcing maintenance
Where maintenance is not being paid, we advise on the options to enforce it.
Changing maintenance
When incomes or arrangements change, we help you review and adjust what is paid.
Why instruct Judge Law
- We cut through the confusion. We explain exactly how maintenance works for your situation, in plain English.
- Calm and practical. We keep things constructive and focused on moving you forward, not stoking conflict.
- Confidential from the first call. Everything you tell us is treated sensitively and in the strictest confidence.
- Clear on cost. We agree how we charge before we start, so there are no surprises.
How it works, step by step
- Your first callA free, no-obligation call to understand your situation, explain how we can help, and give you a sense of the likely cost.
- Initial consultationA detailed meeting, in person, by phone or by video, where we go through your options and agree a plan. Our initial consultation is a fixed fee of £180 plus VAT.
- Working out what is fairWe calculate where you stand, explain the CMS position, and advise on whether an agreement or a court order fits better.
- Putting it in placeWe help you agree and record maintenance, or apply to the court where the standard system does not cover your situation.
- Resolution and next stepsWe finalise things, explain what happens next, and make sure you know where you stand so you can move forward.
Confused about child maintenance?
Tell us a little about your situation and we will explain how it works for you. Your first call is free, and in the strictest confidence.
Clear, fair fees
We know cost is a real worry when family matters are already stressful, so we are upfront about how we charge from the first call. Your first call is free. Our initial consultation is a fixed fee of £180 plus VAT, and gives you tailored advice and a clear plan for your situation. After that, we agree the right basis for your case, whether that is fixed-fee stages or an hourly rate, and confirm the cost before we do the work.
Child maintenance FAQs
How does child maintenance work?
Child maintenance is usually worked out by the Child Maintenance Service using a set formula based on the paying parent’s income and how many nights the child stays with them. In some situations a family-based arrangement or a court order is more suitable. We explain which applies to you.
What does the Child Maintenance Service cover?
The CMS formula covers everyday maintenance based on income and the number of nights the child stays. It does not cover extras like school fees or costs linked to a disability, which may need a separate agreement or court order.
Can I get help with private school fees?
The CMS does not cover school fees. Where they are needed, we can help you agree them or apply to the court for a school fees order, separately from standard maintenance.
What if the other parent will not pay?
If maintenance is arranged through the CMS, it has enforcement powers to collect it. If it is a family-based arrangement, we can advise on how to formalise and enforce it. Either way, we will explain your options.
Related family law services
Book a consultation
Sometimes it helps to talk things through properly. Book an initial consultation, a fixed-fee meeting (£180 plus VAT), in person, by phone or by video, where we go through your options and agree a plan. Everything you share is treated in the strictest confidence.
