Family Mediation St Leonards On Sea

As your child approaches their 16th birthday, you may start to think about maintenance payments and disputes. It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to supporting your child financially.

In this article, Barclaydevere St Leonards On Sea provide you with a comprehensive guide to maintenance payments and disputes when your child turns 16.

What are Maintenance Payments?

Maintenance payments are payments made by one parent to the other to help support their child’s living expenses. These payments can be agreed upon by both parents, or they can be ordered by a court. Maintenance payments can cover a range of expenses, including housing, food, clothing, and education.

When Your Child Turns 16

When your child turns 16, maintenance payments may still be required. However, there are some key differences to be aware of. Here are some of the things you need to know:

1. Child Benefit Stops – When your child turns 16, you’ll no longer receive Child Benefit payments. This is because Child Benefit stops at the age of 16, or 20 if your child stays in approved education or training.
2. Child Maintenance – If you’ve been making maintenance payments, you may still be required to continue making them. However, the amount you’re required to pay may change. If your child is in approved education or training, you may be required to continue making payments until they turn 20.
3. Child Support Agency – If you’ve been using the Child Support Agency to arrange maintenance payments, you’ll need to switch to the Child Maintenance Service when your child turns 16.

Disputes

Unfortunately, disputes can arise when it comes to maintenance payments. If you’re having a dispute with your ex-partner about maintenance payments, it’s important to try to resolve the issue amicably. However, if this isn’t possible, you may need to seek legal advice. Here are some common reasons for disputes:

1. Changes in Circumstances – If your circumstances have changed, you may need to change the amount of maintenance payments you’re making. For example, if you’ve lost your job, you may need to reduce the amount you’re paying.
2. Failure to Pay – If your ex-partner is failing to pay maintenance, you may need to take legal action to enforce the payments.
3. Disagreements – If you and your ex-partner disagree about how much maintenance should be paid, you may need to seek legal advice.

Advantages of Resolving Disputes

Resolving disputes about maintenance payments can have several advantages, including:

1. Reducing Stress – Disputes can be stressful for everyone involved. Resolving them can help reduce this stress.
2. Saving Money – Legal disputes can be expensive. Resolving disputes amicably can help save you money.
3. Improving Relationships – Resolving disputes can help improve relationships between ex-partners, which can be beneficial for children.

When your child turns 16, maintenance payments may still be required. It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities when it comes to supporting your child financially. If you’re having a dispute with your ex-partner about maintenance payments, it’s important to try to resolve the issue amicably.

However, if this isn’t possible, you may need to seek legal advice. At Barclaydevere St Leonards On Sea, we can help you understand your options and provide you with the support you need. Contact us today to find out more.