Child Maintenance for Multiple Children
How maintenance is calculated for 2 or more children, including children from different relationships.
Quick Answer: Rates by Number of Children
| Children | % of Gross Income | Example (£40k income) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 12% | £92/week (£400/month) |
| 2 children | 16% | £123/week (£533/month) |
| 3+ children | 19% | £146/week (£633/month) |
These are Basic Rate figures. Shared care and other factors can reduce these amounts.
How Multiple Children Affect Maintenance
The CMS percentage increases with more children, but it's not a simple multiplication. The rates are designed so that each additional child adds less than the first.
Detailed Rate Tables
Basic Rate (£200-£800/week income)
| Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3+ Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| £30,000/year | £69/week | £92/week | £110/week |
| £40,000/year | £92/week | £123/week | £146/week |
| £50,000/year | £115/week | £154/week | £183/week |
| £60,000/year | £138/week | £185/week | £219/week |
Figures are before any shared care reductions.
Children from Different Relationships
If you have children with more than one parent, the calculation becomes more complex. Here's how it works:
Step-by-Step Process
- 1. Calculate total rate: Add up ALL children from all relationships to determine your percentage (e.g., 3 total children = 19%)
- 2. Calculate total amount: Apply that percentage to your income
- 3. Divide by children: Divide the total by the number of children to get a per-child amount
- 4. Allocate to each parent: Each receiving parent gets their children's share
Example: 3 Children with 2 Different Parents
Parent earns £45,000. Has 2 children with Parent A, 1 child with Parent B.
- Total children: 3 → 19% rate
- Weekly income: £865.38
- Total maintenance: £865.38 × 19% = £164.42/week
- Per child: £164.42 ÷ 3 = £54.81
- Parent A (2 children): £109.61/week (£475/month)
- Parent B (1 child): £54.81/week (£238/month)
Important Note
Each child gets the SAME per-child amount, regardless of which parent they live with. This prevents a situation where one parent receives more per child than another.
Other Children Living With You
If you have other children living in your household (your own children, or children of a new partner that you support), your income is reduced BEFORE calculating maintenance.
Income Reduction for Other Children
- 1 other child: 11% income reduction
- 2 other children: 14% income reduction
- 3+ other children: 16% income reduction
Example: Other Children Reduction
Parent earns £40,000. Pays maintenance for 1 child. Has 2 other children living with them.
- Weekly income: £769.23
- 14% reduction for 2 other children: £769.23 × 0.86 = £661.54
- 12% for 1 child: £661.54 × 12% = £79.38/week
- Monthly amount: £344
Without the other children reduction, it would be £400/month.
Calculate for Your Exact Situation
Our calculator handles all scenarios: multiple children, different relationships, and other children in the household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the amount double if I have 2 children?
No. 1 child = 12%, 2 children = 16% (not 24%). The rate increases, but not proportionally. This recognises that costs don't double with each child.
What if one child turns 18?
The CMS recalculates when a child leaves the arrangement (turns 18, or 20 if in approved education). If you were paying for 2 children and one ages out, the rate drops from 16% to 12%.
Do step-children count as "other children"?
Yes, if they live with you and you provide for them. This includes children of a new partner. They count for the income reduction, which can lower your maintenance amount.
Is there a maximum number of children?
The formula caps at 3+ children (19%). Whether you have 3, 4, or more children, the percentage remains 19% of income. Each child gets an equal share of that amount.