So confused. When to stop paying?

[J0hn]

Hi,

I know this question has probably been asked a million times. But I’m confused.

The CMS website give the explanation of when to stop paying. It’s the bracket that full time education falls under.

I’m in a private agreement with my ex partner and have been for 10 years.

My daughter will be 18 at the start of August 2025 and will leave school. She’s is undecided if she will be attending college first or straight to university.

I contacted the CMS and they said that I would end the payments in the August 2025 when she leaves school and attends either College or University.

Everything else seems to contradict this advice.

Can someone help clear it up for me?

Thanks in advance

 

[Ash]

It is confusing. I thought that if a child continued in education, then CMS continues until age 20.

 

[Ash]

When the child reaches the age of 16 (or 20 if in full-time education or vocational training), the legal obligation to pay child maintenance typically ends.

When do I stop paying child maintenance? - Mediate UK - UK's No 1 Family Mediation Service

In this blog, we will take a closer look at the intricacies of child maintenance in the context of family law in England and Wales.

www.mediateuk.co.uk

 

[J0hn]

When do I stop paying child maintenance? - Mediate UK - UK's No 1 Family Mediation Service

In this blog, we will take a closer look at the intricacies of child maintenance in the context of family law in England and Wales.

www.mediateuk.co.uk

Thank you for the link.

I’m thinking whoever I spoke to at the CMS must have given me the wrong information. They seem to struggle with there’re own instructions.

 

[Ash]

You could maybe have a discussion with your ex about post 18 finances - if it's informal at the moment. Eg suggest you pay directly towards tuition fees for University rather than CM? As long as it's agreed in writing.

 

[J0hn]

You could maybe have a discussion with your ex about post 18 finances - if it's informal at the moment. Eg suggest you pay directly towards tuition fees for University rather than CM? As long as it's agreed in writing.

Sorry.
Should have mentioned that we live in Scotland. University is free. Accommodation won’t be though depends on where she attends. Could possibly be brought up in conversation. And later agreed in writing. Thanks for the help.