Financial Claims for Children

1. top up maintenance (only if a maximum maintenance assessment has been made by the CMS)
2. payment of school fees
3. lump sum(s)
4. a “carer’s allowance” e.g. to provide for childcare costs/a nanny, running a car to transport the child etc.
5. the purchase or transfer of a property to the parent with care of the children which will be returned to the parent who funded it, when it is no longer needed by the child(ren) e.g. they have finished their education or reached majority

The Court’s power also extends to making orders for periodical payments and lump sums for children over the age of 18 in full time education or where there are special circumstances e.g. a disability.

It is important to emphasise that claims made under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 are for the benefit of the child only, and orders cannot be made for the benefit of the unmarried parent alone. You cannot make a claim under Schedule 1 for property/maintenance or lump sums for yourself. However, it is possible to establish your own interest in property held by your ex-partner under a different piece of legislation known as the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (ToLATA). Where appropriate we can advise you on making a claim under ToLATA in addition to Schedule 1, so that all angles are covered.

Our family team appreciate that you will want to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome for the benefit of your child or children and this is always our first priority. We are able to advise and assist you where you have minor children and are looking to pursue a claim under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

The process for making an application under Schedule 1 begins very similarly to the process for making a financial application on divorce. You would need to start by issuing the claim and then financial disclosure would need to be completed on Form E1. The matter would then be listed for a hearing. Your family solicitor will guide you through the process.

When the court is deciding on what order to make in a Schedule 1 claim, they will be guided by the six-point checklist which requires them to consider:

• the income, earning capacity, property and other financial resources which the applicant/respondent has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future
• the financial needs, obligations and responsibilities which the applicant/respondent has or is likely to have in the foreseeable future
• the financial needs of the child
• the income, earning capacity (if any), property and other financial resources of the child
• any physical or mental disability of the child
• the manner in which the child was being, or was expected to be, educated or trained.

This checklist is narrower than the one judges must consider when deciding on a financial settlement on divorce.