If I Pay Child Maintenance Should I Pay for Anything Else?

Raising a child comes with many expenses, and for separated or divorced parents, the question often arises: is child maintenance enough?

Many paying parents wonder if their financial duties end with the standard payments calculated by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), or if they’re expected to contribute to additional costs like school trips, uniforms, or holidays.

This blog explores the differences between legal obligations and optional contributions, clarifies what’s covered by maintenance, and outlines circumstances where more support may be needed. Understanding your role helps ensure fairness for both parents and the child involved.

Why Is There Confusion Around Child Maintenance and Additional Costs?

The confusion surrounding child maintenance often stems from the wide variety of expenses involved in raising children and the assumption that one payment covers everything. Parents are often unclear about whether costs beyond food and housing are included in their payments.

Some common reasons for the confusion include:

• The CMS calculation only covers basic needs
• No requirement to show how child maintenance is spent
• Differences in expectations between parents
• Misunderstanding between legal obligations and personal agreements
• Varying interpretations of “supporting a child”

For example, the receiving parent may expect help with uniforms, sports clubs, or holidays, while the paying parent may believe their CMS contribution covers all needs. This disconnect leads to disputes and tension.

What Exactly Does Standard Child Maintenance Cover in the UK?

The standard child maintenance payment is designed to cover the basic, everyday needs of the child. This includes food, basic clothing, and shelter, the essentials for a child’s day-to-day well-being. It does not typically account for any added lifestyle or educational enhancements.

Parents paying through the CMS are not legally required to provide receipts or justify how the money is spent.

The payment is considered a nominal contribution and assumes the receiving parent will use it appropriately for the child’s general care.

In general, child maintenance does not cover:

• Extracurricular activities
• School trips or uniforms
• Holidays or birthday parties

The CMS uses a fixed formula based on gross income and shared care arrangements, and their calculations apply equally across cases unless adjusted through a court order or variation request.

If I Pay Child Maintenance, Should I Pay for Anything Else?

Legally, if you pay child maintenance in line with your CMS assessment, you’re generally not obligated to pay for anything else.

However, this often doesn’t reflect the full cost of raising a child in real life. Expenses like extracurricular activities, school trips, and even birthday gifts are not included in the standard CMS payments.

While the CMS defines your basic legal responsibility, additional costs can be discussed and agreed upon privately between both parents. These arrangements are voluntary and cannot be enforced by CMS, but they can help maintain fairness and cooperation.

Paying for more than just the essentials may not be a legal requirement, but it can reflect a more involved parenting approach and reduce stress in co-parenting relationships.

Am I Required to Pay for Uniforms, School Trips, or Clubs?

No, these expenses are not legally required under standard CMS maintenance payments. School uniforms, club fees, dance lessons, or school trips are not considered part of a child’s “basic needs” under CMS guidelines.

These fall into lifestyle or enrichment costs rather than essential care. However, many parents choose to contribute voluntarily to support their child’s interests and ease the other parent’s financial burden.

Such contributions can be included in a private arrangement if both parties agree. Without agreement, the CMS cannot legally require the paying parent to cover these additional expenses.

When Can I Be Asked to Contribute More Than the CMS Rate?

While CMS assessments are based on a clear formula, certain special circumstances allow for adjustments or additional obligations.

You may be required to pay more if:

• The child has a disability or long-term illness
• You have significant travel costs to maintain contact
• The child attends boarding school (living costs only)
• You are repaying debts from a previous relationship that benefited the family

These are known as special expenses and must meet minimum thresholds (usually £10 per week) to qualify for variation under CMS rules.

Additionally, higher-earning parents may face legal claims for added contributions through the courts, particularly when standard payments don’t adequately cover the child’s lifestyle or care needs.

What Legal Action Can Be Taken for Extra Financial Support?

If the standard CMS calculation doesn’t meet the child’s actual needs, the receiving parent may apply to the court for additional support. Legal action can be taken under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, especially for higher earners or unique care situations.

This typically applies in cases where:

• The child attends private school or requires specialised care
• The primary caregiver cannot cover housing or childcare costs
• The non-resident parent has a high income

The court considers:

• The financial needs of the child
• Each parent’s income, assets, and potential earnings
• The lifestyle the child is accustomed to

Legal options include:

• Secured or regular monthly payments
• Lump sum orders
• Transfer or settlement of property

Type of Order	Purpose
Periodical Payments	Ongoing monthly financial support
Lump Sum Orders	One-time payment for specific needs
Property Transfers	Housing for the child and resident parent

This route offers more flexibility than CMS but involves greater legal complexity and costs.

What Does Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 Allow?

Schedule 1 gives courts the authority to make financial orders for the benefit of a child. These are used when the CMS calculation doesn’t adequately support the child’s needs. The applicant must be a parent, guardian, or someone with care of the child.

Courts can order various forms of financial support, including periodical payments, lump sums, and even property transfers.

The child’s welfare and educational standards are primary considerations. This legal avenue is increasingly used in high-income cases or when one parent is shouldering the majority of housing and care costs.

Applications require financial disclosure from both parties and are assessed case-by-case, with discretion given to the court based on the specific circumstances involved.

When Can a Court Order Additional Payments?

A court may order additional payments if CMS maintenance does not cover the child’s needs. This is common where private schooling, full-time childcare, or high housing costs are involved.

Such orders often apply to higher-earning non-resident parents, with courts expecting them to maintain a certain lifestyle for the child. Long-term education or medical needs are also considered, alongside each parent’s financial resources.

Unlike CMS, which follows fixed rules, the court has wide discretion, making outcomes less predictable but more tailored. Strong documentation and legal guidance are vital when seeking or contesting these orders.

Can I and the Other Parent Agree to Split Extra Costs Voluntarily?

Yes, and in many cases, this is the most amicable solution. Parents are free to negotiate and agree on how to share additional costs that are not legally mandated under CMS rules. These might include travel, uniforms, holiday expenses, or club memberships.

Such agreements are informal and not enforceable through CMS but can be recorded in writing or supported by parenting apps or mediation services.

Expense Type	Legally Required	Can Be Agreed Voluntarily
School Uniforms	No	Yes
Holidays or Birthdays	No	Yes
Childcare (beyond basics)	Sometimes	Yes
Medical Expenses	Case-by-case	Yes

Voluntary cooperation can reduce conflict and improve the child’s wellbeing. Both parties should communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings and keep track of agreed contributions.

Can My Other Income or Assets Affect Maintenance Calculations?

Yes, CMS considers more than just employment income. Additional income sources such as rental income, dividends, and pension income may be included in the maintenance assessment, especially if they exceed set thresholds.

If the paying parent owns assets worth over £31,250, a notional income can be assigned, representing what the assets could reasonably earn. This ensures that parents with substantial wealth are contributing fairly, even if their taxable income appears modest.

CMS may also investigate if income is being diverted or hidden to reduce payments. Both parents can request a reassessment if they believe these income sources are being excluded.

To request such a variation, documentation is required, and CMS will assess whether the adjustment is “just and equitable” based on the circumstances provided.

What Should I Do If My Financial Circumstances Change?

Life changes can quickly alter your ability to pay or the child’s need for maintenance. It’s crucial to notify CMS promptly of any changes that could impact your calculation.

Common changes include:

• Loss of employment or significant reduction in income
• Change in care arrangement, such as shared custody or the child living with the paying parent
• New dependents, like children from a new relationship
• Remarriage, which could shift financial priorities but not always affect CMS payments directly

If your expenses increase due to unavoidable reasons, for example, paying both maintenance and a mortgage without living in the property, you may be eligible for a special expenses variation. However, you must prove you do not have legal ownership or interest in the property to qualify.

To keep calculations fair:

• Report changes as soon as they happen
• Provide supporting documents
• Request a reassessment through your CMS account

Failing to update your situation may lead to overpayments or underpayments, both of which can have long-term financial consequences.

Conclusion

Paying child maintenance through the CMS fulfils your basic legal obligations, but it may not reflect the full reality of parenting costs.

While you’re generally not required to pay for extras like clubs, school trips, or uniforms, contributing voluntarily can support the child’s overall development and reduce strain on co-parenting.

In special cases involving disability, private schooling, or high-income disparities, courts may intervene to require additional support. Open communication, transparency, and fairness remain key.

By understanding your responsibilities and options, you can make informed choices that respect both your financial limits and your child’s best interests, without legal pressure or conflict.

FAQs About Child Maintenance and Extra Expenses

Can CMS reduce my payments if I also cover the mortgage?

Yes, but only if you don’t legally own the property. A variation may apply in such cases.

Are debts from a past relationship considered by CMS?

Yes, if the debt was for the family’s benefit and costs over £10 per week.

Can CMS take my benefits into account?

Yes, if your benefits are combined with income of at least £100 per week, they may be included.

What if the other parent refuses to agree to voluntary payments?

You cannot be forced by CMS to pay for extras if there’s no mutual agreement.

Can private education fees be enforced through court?

Yes, under Schedule 1 of the Children Act, a court may order such payments.

Is a lump-sum payment ever required for children?

Yes, courts can issue lump sum orders for specific child-related needs like housing or school.

How is enforcement carried out for unpaid maintenance?

CMS can deduct from wages, freeze bank accounts, or apply for court enforcement actions.