child maintenance...how long?

Can anyone clarify how long child maintenance has to be paid for? Is it until the child leaves Education? So if they go from school to sixth form then to college or uni it still has to be paid? or is it just until they leave "school". My son is currently 11. Thank you

Hi,
I asked the CSA and they told me untilt he child reaches 19 or is out of full time education.

Regards
DA

Full time education means up to the end of sixth form not university.

Not necessarily; it depends on the wording of the Consent Order. Until the end of the undergraduate degree is not unusual.

Sadie

"Full time education" is ambiguous and if the term is included in a court order it is open to the interpretation of the judge.


Under CSA rules child support is currently paid for children until the age of 19 if they are in full time "non advanced" education ( A level standard or below). The law has actually changed to increase that to 20 years if the "child" is continuing a course so that it is in line with Child Benefit but whether the change will be implemented and if so, when, is another matter.


Child maintenance can also be part of the overall divorce settlement and included in a court order. Depending on the particular circumstances this can end when a child reaches 18 or ceases full time secondary or tertiary (uni) education.

so if child support is involved in a consent order its important to get the correct term?

My partner would be happy to continue to support the children directly whilst at uni but wouldnt be happy to continue to pay the ex cm.

What wording would you suggest?

I would suggest a clause which says that cm to be paid to the mother until the child goes to university, after which it will be paid directly to the child. I don't know whether that would stand up in court, however, and some parents with care are reluctant to agree this. I would be happy with it myself, though.

Best wishes,
Sadie