How does getting married affect child maintenance payments?

[Mum4Fergus]

In summary, I have 1 DS who is 8...child maintenance agreed with CMS and his Dad always pays on time, no issues.

DP (DH as of later this month) has 3 DCs, 2 of which are of an age to qualify for child maintenance...again, paid monthly, no issues.

Once we marry - will/does anything change with regards to existing arrangements?

Your husband can have the payment he needs to make reduced, as he will be classed as financially responsible for your child. The payments your ex needs to make will not change unless he has more children to be responsible for.

However, I think it's really shitty for men to lower what they pay because they move in with a woman with a child - especially if that child gets maintenance from another parent. Up to you though.

No plans to reduce payment for his 2...but with our joint income and if what I receive for my DS doesn't change then he (we) would be in a position to provide them additional financial support. I guess I'm wary of over committing incase DSs Dads circumstances change.

Your finances don't come into it. CMS calculator on his salary, not the household income.

You can always offer more if you want to and can afford to but they can't force you.

Doesn't change anything other than what had been previously stated. Your DH can have % reduction of his income for your child living in his household - you don't have to be married for this reduction.

I would pay more in terms of distinct things rather than commit to a monthly increase if you want to, or put into a savings account for when they need a car or go to uni etc....

That's a great idea Trinity...thank you x