Checker

Variation Grounds Checker

Answer a short questionnaire to find out whether you have grounds to apply for a CMS variation — a formal request to increase or decrease the maintenance amount.

Are you the paying or receiving parent?

Different variation grounds apply depending on your role. Select yours to get started.

What is a variation?

A variation is a formal application to the CMS to adjust your maintenance amount based on specific circumstances not captured by the standard calculation.

Variations can increase or decrease the maintenance amount. They must be applied for — the CMS will not grant one automatically.

Common variation grounds

Paying parent (to reduce)

–Contact travel costs (over £10/week)
–Long-term illness or disability costs
–Pre-2003 debts from the relationship
–Property or capital transfer

Receiving parent (to increase)

–Paying parent has hidden or diverted income
–Paying parent has significant assets (over £31,250)
–Lifestyle inconsistent with declared income
–Unearned income not in HMRC records

How to apply

To apply for a variation, contact the CMS on 0800 171 2345. They will send you a variation application form. The CMS will investigate and decide whether to grant the variation — the process typically takes 2-4 months.

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Tip: CMS agents vary widely in quality. If you receive incorrect information, unhelpful responses, or feel the agent doesn't understand your situation — hang up and call back. A different agent will often give a completely different experience. Always note the date, time, and name of who you spoke to.