Business agreements should always be formally documented, and failing to do so is a recipe for dispute in the future. Recently, the Court of Appeal dismissed a man's appeal against the rejection of his claim that he had been promised a 50 per cent share in...
When parents separate, ensuring that children continue to receive the right financial support is essential. Unfortunately, child maintenance arrangements can often become a source of tension or confusion. Having experienced child maintenance solicitors to guide you through the process can make a difficult situation much easier to manage.
At T G Baynes, our child maintenance solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities. Whether you need to reach an agreement, review existing arrangements, or resolve a dispute about payments, our team will support you with professionalism, sensitivity, and attention to detail.
We understand that every family’s circumstances are different. From informal agreements to formal Child Maintenance Service (CMS) applications, we’ll tailor our approach to achieve a fair, sustainable outcome that protects your children’s wellbeing and financial stability.
Our child support lawyers assist clients across Dartford, Bexleyheath and Orpington, helping families move forward with confidence and clarity.
Contact our child maintenance solicitors in Dartford, Bexleyheath and Orpington
If you require expert legal advice on child maintenance, our dedicated family law team is here to help. Contact our offices in Dartford, Bexleyheath, or Orpington by calling 020 8301 7777 or filling in our online enquiry form to arrange an initial consultation with one of our child maintenance lawyers.
Our child maintenance fees
At T G Baynes, we believe in complete transparency when it comes to costs. For straightforward matters, such as drafting a maintenance agreement or providing initial advice, we will typically offer fixed-fee options, allowing you to know exactly what to expect.
If your case involves complex financial arrangements, disputes about income, or enforcement of unpaid maintenance, our divorce finance lawyers will provide a detailed estimate before any work begins. Any additional expenses, such as court fees or expert financial reports, will also be clearly outlined to ensure there are no hidden costs.
We are committed to delivering practical, affordable solutions that balance your objectives with your financial situation and provide you with peace of mind throughout your legal proceedings.
We are pleased to offer the following fixed fee services, inclusive of VAT, for an initial meeting.
- Face to face or Zoom meeting of up to 1 hour - £168
- 30-minute telephone appointment - £96
Why work with our child maintenance solicitors?
It’s essential that you choose the right solicitor for child maintenance matters to achieve a fair and workable outcome. Our team takes a compassionate yet proactive approach, ensuring that both your children’s needs and your financial position are properly protected.
T G Baynes team members are proud to be members of Resolution, demonstrating our commitment to professionalism and service excellence. Our child support solicitors are also members of Resolution, meaning we’re experts in negotiation, mediation, and court proceedings, and strive to resolve disputes amicably whenever possible.
We combine technical expertise with an approachable, supportive service so you always feel informed, understood, and in control. Whether you’re seeking advice on voluntary arrangements or representation in formal proceedings, our Child Maintenance solicitors are here to help you secure a positive, lasting solution.
Child maintenance services we cover
Guidance on child maintenance rights and responsibilities
Understanding your legal rights and obligations is the first step towards reaching a fair agreement. Our lawyers for child support can explain how maintenance is calculated, what factors are taken into account, and what options are available for arranging payments.
Our experts can also advise you on how the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) operates, how to adjust payments when circumstances change, and how to ensure that arrangements remain fair for both parents and children over time.
Preparing child maintenance agreements
Many parents prefer to reach an agreement privately, without the need for formal involvement from the CMS. Our child maintenance lawyers can help draft or review written agreements that set out payment terms clearly and fairly.
A well-prepared agreement helps prevent future misunderstandings and ensures that both parties understand their ongoing commitments with legal protection. We’ll guide you through every step, from financial disclosure to finalising the document, ensuring it reflects your child’s best interests.
Applications for child maintenance
If informal discussions break down or one parent refuses to contribute, it may be necessary to apply to the CMS or to the court. Our child support solicitors can help you prepare and submit an application, gather evidence of income, and represent you through any necessary proceedings.
If you believe the CMS calculation is incorrect, we can carefully guide you through the appeals process and help you present the strongest possible case for reassessment.
Help with enforcing unpaid child maintenance
Unfortunately, some parents fail to make agreed-upon or ordered payments. In these cases, our child support lawyers can assist with enforcement action to recover arrears.
This may include working with the CMS or applying to the court for orders such as attachment of earnings or property charging orders. We handle these matters sensitively but robustly, always with the aim of securing the financial support your child is entitled to as our utmost priority.
Frequently asked questions about child maintenance
What does a child maintenance solicitor do, and when would I need one?
A child maintenance solicitor provides legal advice and practical support for parents seeking to arrange, review, or enforce maintenance payments. You may need one if you are separating from your partner, if an existing agreement has broken down, or if you’re unsure about your rights and obligations.
Our team can assist with negotiations, legal documentation, and any disputes that arise, ensuring your child’s needs are prioritised throughout.
What's the difference between using a solicitor and using the Child Maintenance Service (CMS)?
The CMS is a government agency that helps calculate and collect child maintenance based on defined formulas. While it provides a useful framework, it cannot always address the nuances of individual family situations in the same way as a trained lawyer.
Working with a child maintenance solicitor allows you to explore more flexible arrangements tailored to your circumstances, and ensures you receive bespoke, expert advice on complex issues such as shared care or fluctuating income. Our solicitors can also assist you in challenging CMS decisions or pursuing enforcement where necessary.
Can a solicitor help me create a child maintenance agreement?
Yes. Our child maintenance solicitors can draft or formalise agreements that set out clear terms for payment frequency, amount, and duration. We can also convert private agreements into consent orders through the court.
This provides both parents with clarity and security, ensuring that your children’s needs are consistently met. Without using a solicitor, you risk failing to comply with the law, meaning the terms of your child maintenance agreement may not be upheld in court.
What is the process for using a solicitor to handle a child maintenance dispute?
When you instruct a solicitor, we’ll begin with an initial consultation to understand your situation and objectives.
From there, we’ll help gather financial information, attempt negotiation or mediation, and, if required, represent you in court or before the CMS.
Throughout the process, we focus on achieving a fair outcome efficiently and with as little stress as possible, always prioritising your child’s welfare.
Contact our child maintenance solicitors in Dartford, Bexleyheath and Orpington
If you require expert legal advice on child maintenance, our dedicated family law team is here to help. Contact our offices in Dartford, Bexleyheath, or Orpington by calling 020 8301 7777 or filling in our online enquiry form to arrange an initial consultation with one of our child maintenance lawyers.