Financial Provision for Children

Our team of family lawyers has a longstanding reputation in acting for or advising parents on financial claims on behalf of children. Our work is recognised by the leading legal directories and our head of team, Charlotte Bradley, has co-authored a leading book for practitioners on this subject.   

Under the provisions of Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989, parents (married and unmarried) can make applications for financial provision for their dependent children, dealing with housing, capital and maintenance.  If you are separating and have children, you may be entitled to make claims on behalf of your children for maintenance, school fees, capital and housing.

Although the claims are very different to those of a husband or wife in divorce proceedings, the court’s main concern will always be the needs of the children and their carer, considered in light of the financial resources available. We can advise you about the interplay between court applications and the Child Maintenance Service.

We have considerable experience representing clients throughout the proceedings until a final decision has been made by the court, but we are equally comfortable assisting clients ‘behind the scenes’ whether they are seeking to reach an agreement directly with their former partner, or representing themselves in court.

Applications of this nature can be expensive and so we will give you clear cost estimates from the outset and for each stage of proceedings and we will consider all options for funding your case (including applications for interim funding from the other party) and keep you regularly updated.  Getting the strategy right from the outset can make a big difference to the chances of success.

We will consider with you the alternatives to litigation (mediation, arbitration, collaborative law) which might suit your particular circumstances.  Above all we will arm you with legal and practical information to allow you to make an informed choice about the process you follow.

Our experience means we can give you realistic and accurate legal advice at the outset, always taking into account your objectives.