Hello, hope you're well. Today, I’m addressing a common question: What happens to your Child Maintenance Service (CMS) payments when your child comes to live with you?

Key Points Discussed:

• Becoming the Main Carer: If a child comes to live with you for four nights a week or more, you become the main carer. However, CMS won't automatically update your case—you need to take action.

• Applying for Child Benefit: Apply to HMRC for child benefit. Once approved, you can apply to CMS to start receiving maintenance from the other parent.

• CMS Payment Adjustments:

  • Example: Earning £50,000/year with two children typically means you pay 16% (~£8,000) in child maintenance. If one child moves in with you and you don't update CMS, your payment might drop to 12%.
  • By claiming child benefit and applying for CMS, you could receive 12% from the other parent, balancing the financial responsibility more fairly.

• Shared Care:

  • If a child stays with you two nights a week, you get a reduction of about 1/7th in your maintenance payments.
  • For four nights a week, you should file a claim with CMS to start receiving payments from the other parent.

• Navigating Court Orders: CMS should follow court orders. However, if the actual living situation differs from the order, you might need to address this with CMS or through legal channels.

• Alternative Options:

  • If you face challenges with child benefit claims, a DNA test might help, especially if the child is over 16 and doesn't comply. However, this is risky and could cost you £250.

Recap:

• Apply for child benefit if the child lives with you permanently.
• File a new CMS claim once you become the primary carer.
• Understand shared care reductions and how they affect payments.
• Be aware of court orders and alternative options like DNA tests.

I hope this information is helpful! Please like and subscribe to stay updated on more topics related to CMS. If you have questions or specific topics you want me to cover, comment below—I’ll respond as soon as I can.

Have a great day and see you soon!

Keywords and Hashtags:

Keywords:

• Child Maintenance Service
• CMS
• Child Benefit
• Main Carer
• Shared Care
• CMS Payments
• Child Support
• Parental Responsibility
• HMRC
• Court Orders

Hashtags:

• #ChildMaintenance
• #CMS
• #ChildSupport
• #SharedCare
• #ParentalResponsibility
• #ChildBenefit
• #FamilyLaw
• #CMSPayments
• #ChildCustody
• #ParentingTips

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