Does New Partner Income Affect Child Maintenance?
Quick Answer
No, your new partner's income does not affect child maintenance. The CMS only considers the paying parent's income. Whether you're the paying or receiving parent, your new partner's earnings, savings, or benefits are completely excluded from the calculation.
New Partner's Income Is Always Excluded
This is one of the clearest rules in child maintenance: a new partner's income is never included, regardless of which parent has the new relationship.
If You're the Paying Parent
Your new partner's income doesn't reduce what you pay. Even if your partner earns significantly more than you, the CMS only looks at your income.
However, if you have children with your new partner (or support their children), you may qualify for a reduction due to "other children in the household."
If You're the Receiving Parent
Your new partner's income doesn't affect what you receive. Even if your new partner is wealthy, you're still entitled to the same child maintenance from the other parent.
What About Remarriage?
Getting married or entering a civil partnership doesn't change the rules. Your spouse's income remains excluded from the calculation.
Key point: Child maintenance is about the biological or legal parents supporting their child. New partners have no legal obligation to support children who aren't theirs.
The Only Way a New Partner Can Affect Maintenance
If you have new children with your partner, or you support your partner's children from a previous relationship, you can claim a deduction for "other relevant children." This reduces your assessable income by 11-16% before calculating maintenance.
Related Questions
Do I have to declare my new partner's income to the CMS?
No. The CMS doesn't ask about your partner's income because it's not relevant to the calculation.
Can my ex reduce payments because I have a new partner?
No. Your new relationship has no impact on child maintenance. Your ex must continue paying the same amount.
What if my new partner and I have a baby together?
If you're the paying parent, having a new child qualifies you for an 11% reduction in assessable income. The new child doesn't affect the receiving parent's entitlement.