More than 30,000 parents have now set up voluntary child maintenance arrangements, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced.
So-called ‘family-based arrangements’ are voluntary agreements between divorced or separated couples, in which the government does not intervene. In a new release the DWP announces that the parents of more than 15,900 children have made such arrangements after first contacting government advice and support service Child Maintenance Options.
Those unable to reach agreement on child maintenance with their ex-partner or spouse can turn to the Child Maintenance Service for legally enforced payments but both the recipients and paying party are charged for these.
Minister for Welfare Delivery Caroline Nokes said:
“We know children grow up to have better health, emotional well-being and educational attainment if their parents – whether together or separated – have a positive relationship. All children deserve the best start in life and that’s why, through Child Maintenance Options, we encourage separated couples to work together in the best interests of their children.”