Money & support
Updates on the money side of separation for dads, from child maintenance and the CMS to benefits and free help like the mediation voucher. The practical changes that affect what you pay, or what you and your children are owed.
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Direct Pay is being scrapped, and the CMS plans a 2% fee
The government plans to scrap free Direct Pay and charge a 2% Child Maintenance Service fee on both parents from 2027-28. Here is what it means for you.
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The two-child benefit limit has been scrapped, check you are getting it
From 6 April 2026 the two-child limit on Universal Credit was removed, so the child element is now paid for every child. If you have three or more children, check your claim.
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If you weren't married, the rules on splitting up may be about to change
The government is consulting on giving unmarried couples financial rights when they separate, and on reforming divorce finances. Here is what is proposed, and how to have your say before 14 August 2026.
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There's £500 towards mediation, and it's just been confirmed for another year
The Family Mediation Voucher Scheme is confirmed for 2026-27. You can get up to £500 towards mediation about your children, it is not means-tested, and most families who use it settle without court.
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What the announced child maintenance changes could mean
The government has announced that the threshold for recalculating child maintenance when income changes will drop from 25% to 15%. A wider review of how the amount is calculated has been dropped, and removing Direct Pay is still pending. Here is the plain-English version.