A Judge will tell you that the care of children and child maintenance are two entirely separate issues. Here we know the reality is very different.
Some parents stop contact when child maintenance payments are not made or there is a disagreement over money.
A Judge would not agree with this approach – their focus is the welfare of the child. The child needs to see both parents and, therefore, this is not a good enough reason to stop contact.
However, if a parent turns up to court asking to see their child and they are not paying anything towards them, this is likely to colour the Judge’s view of that parent.
Non-payment or a disagreement over money is not enough of a reason to stop contact. On the flip side, if you are the parent paying child maintenance and you are paying nothing, this is likely to go against you in a court case about seeing your child.
If you need to work out the amount you need to pay towards your children, you can use the government’s online calculator.
If you want any further advice regarding these issues, please get in touch.