How Many Nights for Shared Care Child Maintenance?
Quick Answer
You need at least 52 overnight stays per year (1 night per week average) to qualify for any shared care reduction. The bands are: 52-103 nights (1/7 off), 104-155 nights (2/7 off), 156-174 nights (3/7 off), and 175+ nights (50% off minus £7 per child).
Shared Care Night Requirements
The CMS uses a banded system based on the number of nights your child stays with you per year. Only overnight stays count - daytime contact doesn't qualify.
The Shared Care Bands
| Nights Per Year | Weekly Average | Reduction | Example Saving* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-51 | Less than 1 | None | £0 |
| 52-103 | 1-2 nights | 1/7 (14%) | £75/month |
| 104-155 | 2-3 nights | 2/7 (29%) | £154/month |
| 156-174 | 3 nights | 3/7 (43%) | £229/month |
| 175+ | 3.5+ nights | 50% - £7/child | £283/month |
*Example based on £40,000 income, 2 children
How Nights Are Counted
- Only overnight stays count - the child must sleep at your address
- All nights count equally - weekends, holidays, midweek
- It's the yearly total - doesn't matter how they're distributed
- Based on expected pattern - not retrospective counting
Common Arrangements and Their Bands
Every other weekend (Fri-Sun) = 52 nights → Band 1
Every weekend (Fri-Sun) = 104 nights → Band 2
Every weekend + one midweek = 156 nights → Band 3
Week on/week off = 182 nights → Band 4 (50/50)
Don't Forget Holiday Contact
Holiday nights count too! Many parents forget to include:
- Summer holiday weeks (7-14 nights)
- Christmas/Easter breaks
- Half-term holidays
- Bank holiday weekends
Adding holidays can push you into a higher reduction band.
Related Questions
Do daytime visits count towards the 52 nights?
No. Only overnight stays count. Even if you have your child all day every Saturday, it doesn't contribute to shared care unless they sleep at your home.
What if my shared care varies from week to week?
The CMS looks at the average over a year. If you have 2 nights one week and 1 the next, that's 78 nights per year (52-103 band).
How do I prove how many nights I have my child?
Keep a calendar or diary. If disputed, the CMS may ask for evidence like a court order, text messages confirming arrangements, or school records.