Child Support Solicitors in Taunton & Somerset
Child Support Assistance in Taunton
Taunton Solicitors provides child support solicitor assistance in Taunton. Navigating child support can feel daunting, whether you’re negotiating a new agreement or reviewing an assessment. Getting straightforward advice is essential, along with rules that change based on your circumstances and ongoing updates to the UK’s child maintenance frameworks. If you’re in Taunton or the wider Somerset area and need help with child support, we’re here to explain what you need to know about calculations, court factors, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS), and what to do if you need to challenge a decision.
What Is Child Support and How Is It Arranged?
Child support (also called child maintenance) is financial assistance that helps cover a child’s day-to-day living costs after their parents separate. Most parents in Somerset initially try to reach a child support agreement themselves, often using the UK Government’s Child Maintenance Calculator to guide fair payment amounts. This calculator considers both parents’ incomes, how much time the child spends with each other, and any relevant benefits.
What Happens If an Agreement Can’t Be Made?
If an agreement isn’t possible, either parent can apply to the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) for an official assessment. This government body handles calculations, payment arrangements, and, when necessary, enforcement. If you believe your CMS assessment is incorrect or circumstances change (such as job loss or increased care responsibilities), legal advice from a child support solicitor in Taunton is vital.
Child Custody During and After Divorce
Child custody (or arrangements for where a child lives and who they spend time with) typically forms part of a wider conversation during and after a divorce. The UK courts now prioritise parental agreement and mediation. When parents can’t agree, the court will make an order in the child’s best interests. The outcome can affect child maintenance because the amount of time a child spends with each parent influences payment calculations. Key points to remember about custody and maintenance post-divorce:
- Court intervention in child support is rare unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- The CMS handles most financial support matters for children.
- For unmarried parents, additional support may be possible under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, such as lump sum payments or property settlements, especially where significant assets are involved.
What Factors Does the Court or CMS Consider?
If you believe your CMS assessment doesn’t reflect your situation or your circumstances have changed, you can seek a review or appeal. A local child support solicitor like Taunton Solicitors can guide you through challenging a CMS decision, ensuring all relevant factors are considered. When determining child support, the CMS (and, in limited cases, the courts) will consider several factors, including:
- Gross Income of the paying parent.
- Number of children for whom payments are required.
- Frequency of overnight stays with the paying parent.
- Any existing support obligations (for example, supporting children from other relationships).
- Special circumstances such as high parental income or substantial family assets (these go beyond standard CMS calculations).
- Relevant benefits received by either parent.
We offer a fixed fee of £225 plus VAT for initial hour consultation. Please ask when booking your appointment. We can give you an indication of further costs at this meeting.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01823 351122
Why Trust Taunton Solicitors with Your Child Support Matter?
Choosing the right legal partner can make all the difference. Here’s why many parents in Taunton and across Somerset rely on us at Taunton Solicitors for child support matters:
- Specialised Family Law Expertise: Our solicitors are highly experienced in family law, including all child support and child custody matters.
- Full CMS Support: We advise on CMS applications, assessments, reviews, and appeals and challenge incorrect decisions.
- Clear Fee Structure: We offer a fixed fee of £225 plus VAT for your first consultation, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
- Comprehensive Service: We have you covered from straightforward child maintenance agreements to complex Schedule 1 claims for unmarried parents and high-net-worth cases.
- Personalised, Local Advice: With deep roots in the Taunton and Somerset communities, our friendly, approachable team is committed to securing the best outcomes for your family
What to Do If There’s a Disagreement or Change in Circumstances
Disputes about child support can arise for many reasons. This could be miscalculations in the CMS assessment, changes in income, or disagreements over custody arrangements. If you’re in this position, you have options, including the following:
- Request a CMS Review: If your situation has changed or if you think there’s an error, start by contacting the Child Maintenance Service.
- Seek Legal Guidance: A child support solicitor in Taunton can help you gather evidence, explain your options, and represent you in reviews or appeals.
- Consider Mediation: Mediation helps resolve disputes amicably for many families, reducing stress and legal costs.
- Apply to Court (if eligible): Courts will only intervene in child support matters in very limited circumstances, such as when parents have significant assets or the CMS is not empowered to assist.
Taking the Next Step Toward Fair Child Support
Achieving a fair and sustainable child support agreement ensures your child’s well-being and financial security as families transition. Whether you’re drafting a private agreement, navigating a CMS assessment, or dealing with disagreements, expert advice can help you avoid common pitfalls. Taunton Solicitors brings years of experience helping local families resolve complex child maintenance issues efficiently and with total upfront costs. We offer trustworthy legal advice and practical support at every stage, from initial agreement through to challenging a CMS decision or seeking a court order if needed. Contact us today to book your fixed-fee consultation and take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind about your child’s future.