If parents cannot agree the level of financial child support then the decision is made by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). It is vitally important that you understand your financial responsibilities to your child or children as the CMS have substantial enforcement powers. You cannot contract out of the CMS and the court has no power to prevent the CMS making and enforcing any financial child support assessment now or in the future until the child becomes  18 or ceases full time education. An understanding of your CMS liability should be the cornerstone of any financial negotiation with your spouse or ex-spouse.
At Slee Blackwell, we can make sure you find the most appropriate way to move forward in a practical and cost-effective manner on questions involving finances for children. There are several factors that affect these negotiations, the largest being whether or not you were married. Our solicitors can advise you on:
• lump sum payments;
• periodical payments (income);
• Secured periodical payments; and
• transfer or settlement of property
Slee Blackwell are proud to have been given the Employer of the Year Award by the Devon and Somerset Law Society and to be winners at the NSPCC Childhood Champion Awards 2018. Our divorce solicitors are also accredited by The Law Society in finance and children work.