How Can I Reduce My Child Maintenance?
Quick Answer
You can legitimately reduce child maintenance through: increased shared care (52+ overnight stays), pension contributions, supporting other children in your household, or reporting a 25%+ income drop. You cannot reduce payments by hiding income or voluntarily reducing your earnings.
Legitimate Ways to Reduce Child Maintenance
There are several legal ways your child maintenance can be reduced. These are built into the CMS formula.
1. Shared Care (Overnight Stays)
The most significant reduction comes from having your child overnight regularly:
| Nights Per Year | Reduction |
|---|---|
| 52-103 nights | 1/7 off (14%) |
| 104-155 nights | 2/7 off (29%) |
| 156-174 nights | 3/7 off (43%) |
| 175+ nights | 50% off minus £7/child |
2. Pension Contributions
Pension contributions are deducted from your gross income before calculating maintenance. Increasing your pension reduces your assessable income.
Example: £5,000/year in pension contributions on a £40,000 salary could save around £65/month in maintenance.
3. Other Children in Your Household
If you support other children living with you (your own children or step-children), your income is reduced:
- 1 other child: 11% reduction
- 2 other children: 14% reduction
- 3+ other children: 16% reduction
4. Income Decrease
If your income drops by 25% or more, you can request a reassessment. You'll need evidence like payslips or a letter from your employer.
What You CANNOT Do
- ❌ Hide income or underreport earnings
- ❌ Deliberately reduce your working hours
- ❌ Divert income to a company or trust
- ❌ Gift assets to avoid maintenance
These can be investigated through a "variation" and may result in higher payments.
Related Questions
Can I reduce child maintenance by working less?
Voluntarily reducing your hours to lower maintenance can be challenged. The CMS can assess you on your potential earnings if they believe you're deliberately underemploying yourself.
Will increasing my pension reduce child maintenance?
Yes, pension contributions are deducted before calculating maintenance. However, making excessive contributions solely to avoid maintenance could be challenged.
Can I appeal my child maintenance amount?
Yes. You can request a "mandatory reconsideration" if you believe the calculation is wrong. If unsuccessful, you can appeal to a tribunal.