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Child Maintenance
18 April 2011
The media has recently reported thatgrowing numbers of parents are being imprisoned for non-payment of child maintenance: the numbers have doubled from three years ago.
The prison sentences are clearly meant as a deterrent, but critics have questioned how effective a prison sentence is, and whether jailing a parent can ever be in the best interests of a child. Prison sentences are relatively rare, and are usually used as a last resort,
Most cases of non-payment of child maintenance involve fathers not contributing for children from previous relationships and the other parent seeking to enforce through the Child Support Agency/Child Maintenance Enforcement Commission.
If you would like any advice about child maintenance or financial provision for children, then please feel free to contact one of our family team direct.
Clare Joyson
Family Solicitor
