How much child maintenance do I need to pay?

CMEC (also referred to as the Child Support Agency) will assess how much child maintenance  should be paid where there is a dispute. 

Whilst you should take advice as to  your circumstances, in very broad terms the CSA will assess that the parent who is not residing with the children should pay 15% of his or her net income as maintenance for one child,  20% for two children or 25% for three children or more.  This is subject to deductions in certain circumstances and you should seek advice in relation to the circumstances of your case. 

Frequently the parties will agree the amount of child maintenance to be paid based on the likely CSA assessment. 

Where the parties are divorcing the Court can make an order for one party to pay child maintenance, where that is agreed between the parties. 

If the parent with whom the children do not reside is in receipt of a high income then it is possible in some circumstances for the Court to order a "top up" of child maintenance in excess of the child support agency assessment.