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Child Support in UK

3 replies

Downunderdolly · 21/02/2011 09:07

Hi
I am about to go through the process of sorting out child support in Australia. My soon to be ex has a very high (compared to the average wage) salary but over here the maximum amount that someone is legally obliged to pay caps out at a rate of earnings which is about half of his salary. We are trying to come to a private arrangement and whilst I don't want to crucify him I do want to ask for what is reasonable and fair as our son is only 3, I will be legally obliged to remain in Australia (somewhat against my will), gave up my career and contacts in the UK to come over here and sunk every penny I had into our family home and for me to return to full on full time work right now would involve moving to the City where I know no-one (I will likely do this if I can't find flexible work where I live when he is at school). I therefore don't think it is unreasonable for me to expect a reasonable level of child support that I can combine with a part time job to support us until my son is at least in school....anyway, my question is in the UK is it based on a % of gross salary?? I had heard it was about 18% of gross salary (it used to be that over here...with reductions for the amount of time child spent with father..until they changed it). Is that still the case?? Many thanks for your help.

OP posts:
gillybean2 · 21/02/2011 09:17

It's 15% of the net income for 1 child
www2.dwp.gov.uk/csa/v2/en/calculate-maintenance.asp

Downunderdolly · 21/02/2011 09:20

Thank you that is helpful xx

OP posts:
STIDW · 21/02/2011 16:50

If you are divorcing in Australia, both of you live over there and your husband is employed there I doubt the CSA/UK courts would have jurisdiction over child maintenance and the rates here would be somewhat academic.

How much does your husband earn? In the UK the CSA caps the assessable income at £2k net per week although it is possible to apply through the courts for top up payments. If this is the case it is fairly common to include child maintenance along with any spouse maintenance as part of the overall divorce settlement. However traveling costs for contact may be factored into the calculation which could be relevant if you are in Australia and your husband in the UK, or vice versa.

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