Financial support for your children

Disputes over money that you are owed by a former spouse or partner in regard to your children are usually dealt with by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). However, if the financial arrangements are not sufficient to meet the needs of your children, it may be possible to ask the court to make extra provision under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

This might be appropriate where it was not possible to deal with the financial provision for a child adequately as part of divorce proceedings, where you were not married, or because the parent being asked to pay lives abroad.

In certain circumstances, our family law solicitors may be able to apply to the court on your behalf for extra financial provision for your child. For example, if your former spouse or partner is very wealthy and what they are paying does not reflect this, or if your child has specific needs that cannot be met by the amount of money they are currently receiving and you believe you former spouse or partner, although not particularly wealthy, can afford to pay more.

The court can make a number of orders, strictly for the benefit of the child, including:

child maintenance which can be paid to you for the benefit of a child or to the child directly (any application for a ‘top up’ order for periodical payments should not be made unless and until CMS have made a maximum assessment);
a capital lump sum, which may have to be paid in full straightway or by instalments over a defined period;
a transfer of property, either to you for the child’s benefit or to the child directly; and
a direction that a child should be entitled to occupy a property for a defined period.

We can advise you

Based in the City of London our family solicitors are on hand for a convenient appointment between meetings or before your commute home. We will explain your options in straightforward language so that you can make informed decisions about what is best for you and your children.

We are used to working with busy executives and international families and regularly have meetings via Skype with clients in other time zones.

Funding for legal advice or representation

Once we understand your circumstances, we will advise you on the options that may be available to you.

Contact our matrimonial team

To organise an initial consultation, in complete confidence, please contact a member of our specialist family team who will be able to help.

Who to contact

Linda Pope

Partner

What clients say

Linda and her team were very personable they treated my case with care and understanding, not once did I feel judged or looked down on they had the upmost respect for my situation.
I would like to say thank you to Linda Pope she is a great asset to the company in how she deals with cases, my mind and my daughter’s is a little more at ease since our case has finished and I am truly grateful. Thank you.
Cherril Miller-George, a family law client advised by Linda Pope

All staff are amazing in how they approach your case, the main two people I have been dealing with is Linda and Kimberley they take pride in their work and they have made me feel comfortable when I have had to give them personal information. I would recommend them to friends and family.
Cherril Miller, a family law client advised by Linda Pope and Kimberley Duah

Linda, Kimberley and Olivia have been a huge support throughout my case, from the start to finish, with prompt responses to emails and completing paperwork relating to the courts. I would easily recommend them to anyone needing help with family law.
Kieran Murray, a family law client advised by Linda Pope

I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work. It has been life-changing for me and my family. You have literally become a household name with us because you have been such a significant part of our journey.
You will always be my first point of call if I ever need to revisit this, or any other legal matter and I will recommend you and Miles & Partners without hesitation. I hope this reflects how happy I am with the advice, work and outcomes of my case.
Family law client advised by Linda Pope

“A dynamic, knowledgeable and practical team of specialists.
A very strong and knowledgeable family team that goes that extra mile for its clients.”
2021 Legal 500

“The service I have received from this law firm has been fantastic! Especially Michelle Uppal who has been extremely efficient, helpful and very professional, I would certainly recommend her as a great family lawyer!”
Anonymous client

“I am very impressed with the client focus of the family team, whether the client is a city lawyer or someone coming into contact with the law for the first time. They will always make sure the client is aware of all the options available to them, whether that is mediation, collaborative law, or traditional litigation and they will provide advice and support to the client every step of the way.
In addition, they have particular expertise in complex child care cases and are expert in supporting vulnerable clients facing the prospect that their child may be taken into care by the local authority.
Miles & Partners is truly focussed on quality and was instrumental in setting up a small group of like-minded firms, which meets regularly to exchange ideas, provide mutual support and share good practice. They are a great example of a progressive law firm.”
VL, Management Consultant

“Without exception, everyone in the firm has dedication to their clients that is second to none. Many of their cases involve serious issues and they approach them with empathy and compassion and spend as much time with the clients as is needed. In my experience the gift of time is not one many firms are willing to give. Many of their clients are children and/ or are extremely vulnerable and they always make whatever allowances are required.
Miles and Partners always have the ability to inject new vigour into every case. Their motivation is both rare and inspiring. Coupled with their clear passion for the system, job and their clients they all have a sharp knowledge of the law and apply it accordingly. When instructed by them it is clear that they have full grasp of all the issues and their preparation of the case simply cannot be faulted.
Likewise when appearing against them as opponents, they conduct themselves with charismatic fairness whilst never faltering from the task of vigorously fighting for the interests of their clients.
The family courts would be much poorer place without them, both in terms of their personal presence and the assistance they give to judges and the family justice system as a whole.”
TH, Barrister

“I would not hesitate to refer clients who need expert family and matrimonial advice to Miles & Partners matrimonial team because I know they will receive a first class service and client care second to none. Miles & Partners geographical position, on the edge of the City, is perfect for clients who need a flexible and swift service that fits with their day and working patterns.”