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Everything you need to know about the UK Child Maintenance Service
11 articles
How It WorksWhat DWP Told the House of Lords About the CMS - and What They Did Not Say
In March 2025, senior DWP officials gave evidence to the House of Lords Public Services Committee about the Child Maintenance Service. Here is what they said, what the numbers actually show, and where the official story does not match the experience of real parents.
CMS Statistics December 2025: 1.1 Million Children, £773M Unpaid: What the Data Really Shows
A detailed breakdown of every figure in the Child Maintenance Service's latest official statistics release, covering compliance rates, the debt mountain, enforcement queues, and what it all means for parents.
Regulation 50 Explained: Who Pays When Care is Shared?
A plain-English guide to Regulation 50 of SI 2012/2677 - the rule that decides who is treated as the non-resident parent when both parents share significant care of a child, and the full overnight stay checklist from Regulation 46.
Child Maintenance When a Parent Lives or Works Abroad
What happens to child maintenance when one parent moves overseas - CMS jurisdiction rules, REMO explained, the full list of countries where UK maintenance orders can and cannot be enforced, and what to do when the country is not covered.
How Much the CMS Made From Collect and Pay Fees in 2025
Using the latest DWP statistics, we calculate exactly how much the Child Maintenance Service collected in fees from paying and receiving parents via its Collect and Pay service in 2025.
How Long Does Collect and Pay Take?
If you use the CMS Collect and Pay service, how long before money arrives? Here's what to expect and what to do if there are delays.
Private Arrangement vs Using the CMS: Which Is Better?
You don't have to use the CMS to arrange child maintenance. Here's an honest comparison of going private versus using the government service.
When Does Child Maintenance Stop?
Child maintenance doesn't last forever. Find out exactly when payments end, what age is relevant, and what can extend or stop the obligation early.
How to Apply for Child Maintenance Through the CMS
A step-by-step guide to applying to the Child Maintenance Service, including what information you'll need and what to expect.
What Is the CSA? (Child Support Agency Explained)
The CSA no longer exists - but millions of people still search for it. Here's what it was, what replaced it, and what you need to know now.
What Is the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)?
A plain-English guide to what the CMS is, how it works, and when you need to use it.