what do child maintenance payments cover?

[goodinacrisis]

Hi All,

A friend is about to jump into talks about CMS costs and wants to be as fair to both as possible. They've looked at estimates on the gov website and are fine with that figure, but it looks like the amount suggested covers "things like food, clothing and housing". She doesn't have high housing costs and isn't sure if that should change the payments.

Anyone know how to break down CMS estimates in more detail? Or have other ways to come up with figures?

Post edited by MNHQ to remove potentially identifying information

The amount absolutely does not change! The money goes in to the pot.

CM calculator is the bare minimum that should be paid to the main carer, I'd explain it as if the parents were together up keeping a lifestyle not losing out because one parent has moved out.

CMS is the bare minimum. 'Fair' is typically more than that. If she doesn't have housing costs, she can stick the rest in savings for the child's future. Don't encourage your friend to screw herself.

@goodinacrisis the payments are based on the salary of the non resident parent. What it's spent on doesn't come into it. If the NRP lived for free, it wouldn't be increased either.

If baby is going to go to nursery she'll need every penny so tell her not to be too generous yet!

No, it doesn't change. And I'm betting if she wasn't in a fortunate housing situation she'd think the amount was absolutely not fair. It's an absolute pittance but luckily she won't be impacted by that as she has luck on her side in some ways