When a person becomes a parent, regardless of their marital status, they are financially responsible for their child, usually until that child reaches the age of 18 and become an adult. When a couple splits up after having children in England or Wales, both parties remain responsible for paying for their child’s living costs and general needs.
This can be done in a number of ways; however, one common method is by the non-resident parent paying UK child maintenance to the parent with whom the child lives and spends most of their time. This is to help the resident parent meet the costs of having their child with them for the majority of the time. Any child maintenance agreed must be put towards costs of supporting the child and maintaining their normal lifestyle, rather than solely going on the parent’s non-household/general living expenses.
UK child maintenance
The best possible outcome of a couple with children splitting up is for them to agree a suitably fair division of costs between them. If they are unable or unwilling to do so, the courts can step in to help, guide or order certain child maintenance arrangements. This normally follows a period of mediation when the parting couple try to work out the best way to proceed, guided by a neutral, third-party mediator. The decision is then taken to court for agreement or adjustment, after which final arrangements are confirmed as legally binding.
There are several factors that need to be taken into account when calculating how much child maintenance each party should pay and/or receive. These include the income and assets of each parent, especially the non-resident party. Living arrangements are important to factor in as well, for example how many nights the child will spend with each parent. Finally, the amount of UK child maintenance awarded will also depend upon the financial commitments each parent has, including paying for other children or supporting vulnerable relatives or dependents.
When the child reaches 18
Unmarried parents’ financial responsibilities normally end when the child reaches adulthood, or the age of 18 years old. However, as with most legal situations, there are exceptions to this rule. Unmarried parents must carry on paying child support when their 18-year-old child is still in full-time education or training, for example. If the child is adopted, unmarried parents’ financial responsibilities may end on the completion of an adoption order. When a child reaches 18 years old and lacks the mental capacity to make financial decisions for themselves, arrangements can be made to allow their parent or parents to continue supporting and handling personal finances on their behalf.
However old the child is when the child support unmarried parents provide comes to an end, they can still receive assistance from parents and other family members. This can be financial, in a revised arrangement to support a young adult by one or
both parents. Equally, married and unmarried parents can offer budgeting advice, practical help, such as DIY or car repairs and emotional support when required.
Making a Will
Finally, if you are not married to your partner, consider making a Will to ensure that your money goes where you intend it to on your death. If you die without a Will, this ius known as dying intestate and your estate will not automatically pass to an unmarried partner or their children – this is important if you are a step parent to your partner’s children as they may not end up with the inheritance you thought they would.
The easiest way to protect any step children after you die, as well as make the admin surrounding your belongings and money easier for those left behind is to make a Will. You can state what you want to happen to your money and belongings, as well as leave instructions for caring for any children under the age of 18. It is quick and simple to make a Will and you do not have to be hugely wealthy to do so. Married or unmarried, it is one of the kindest things you can do to help your children tackle a difficult time in their lives, knowing that your final wishes have been set out in a legal document and can be followed with confidence.