Child Maintenance Legal Obligations

Summary

In the UK, parents are legally required to support their biological children. If your ex-partner refuses to pay child maintenance, you can apply through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). For a child not formally adopted, the obligation is less clear, and legal advice is recommended.

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Me and my ex partner have separated, we have one biological child together and one who my ex partner has taken on. He never formally adopted him but his surname was changed to my ex partners. My ex partner has both children for visits but they primarily reside with me. My ex is now refusing to pay me any maintenance. What’s my standing on this issue
****, it sounds like you might be entitled to child maintenance for your biological child. Generally, the legal obligation for child support usually applies to biological children or legally adopted children.
- You can apply for child maintenance for your biological child through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS).
- For the child whose surname was changed but not formally adopted, the obligation for support might be less clear and could depend on your local jurisdiction.
What state or country are you located in? This can help provide more specific guidance.
Staffordshire, uk
****, in the UK, you can pursue child maintenance for your biological child through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). Since your ex did not formally adopt the other child, his obligation to pay maintenance for that child is not as clear.
- You can apply for child maintenance through the CMS for your biological child.
- For the other child, you might consider seeking legal advice to explore potential options.
Do you have any other questions or need further clarification?
Is it illegal for my ex partner to refuse to pay
In the UK, it is a legal obligation for a parent to support their biological child. Your ex-partner refusing to pay child maintenance for your biological child is against the law. You can apply for child maintenance through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS).
For your other child, since there was no formal adoption, the obligation is less clear. It would be advisable to seek specific legal advice for this situation.
Would you like more information on how to apply through the CMS?