Summer spending and child maintenance: What happens when costs go up?

The summer holidays can be a magical time for children - sunshine, adventures, and a break from school routines. But for separated parents, they can also bring financial strain.

Whether it’s paying for childcare, holiday clubs, trips away, or simply keeping the fridge full while the kids are home all day, summer often means extra costs. So how does this affect child maintenance?

What is child maintenance?

Child maintenance is the financial support that one parent pays to the other to help with the everyday costs of raising a child. Usually, it’s paid by the parent who doesn’t have the main day-to-day care of the child.

This support helps cover essentials like food, clothing, housing, and school supplies.

There are two main ways to arrange child maintenance:

• Through the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) - a government-run scheme that calculates and collects payments.
• Privately between parents - often called a “family-based arrangement.”

Why summer can be a flashpoint

During the summer holidays, the cost of raising children often increases. Parents may need to pay for:

• Extra childcare if they’re working
• Holiday clubs or activities to keep children entertained
• Travel and accommodation for family holidays
• Back-to-school expenses like uniforms and supplies.

For the parent with primary care, these costs can add up quickly. But what happens if the child maintenance payments don’t reflect these seasonal spikes?

Can maintenance be adjusted for summer costs?

If you have a private arrangement, the good news is that you can agree to anything that works for both of you. For example, one parent might agree to cover the cost of a summer camp instead of making a regular payment that month. Or they might agree to pay a little extra during the holidays to help with increased costs.

We recommend putting any agreement in writing and keeping a record of payments to avoid misunderstandings later on.

If your arrangement is through the Child Maintenance Service, it’s a bit more rigid. The CMS calculates payments based on the paying parent’s income and doesn’t usually take seasonal expenses into account. However, if the paying parent’s income changes significantly - up or down - there can be a reassessment.

What if one parent refuses to help?

Unfortunately, summer can also bring disputes. One parent might feel they’re being asked to pay too much, while the other feels unsupported. If you’re struggling to agree, mediation can help. A trained mediator can help both parents talk through the issues and find a solution that works for everyone, especially the children.

If you already have a court order or CMS arrangement and the other parent isn’t paying what they should, you may need to take enforcement action. But often, a calm conversation can prevent things from escalating.

Tips for managing summer costs

Here are some practical steps to help manage the financial pressures of the summer holidays:

1. Plan ahead - Talk about summer plans early. If one parent wants to take the children away, discuss who will cover what costs.
2. Be flexible - If one parent is struggling financially, consider whether a temporary change to the arrangement might help.
3. Keep records - Whether it’s payments or agreements, having a paper trail can prevent future disputes.
4. Use trusted tools - The CMS has a child maintenance calculator that can help you work out a fair amount based on income and shared care.

Final thoughts

Raising children is a shared responsibility, and that doesn’t stop when the school bell rings for summer. While the holidays can bring extra costs and challenges, they’re also an opportunity for families to create lasting memories.

With open communication, a bit of flexibility, and a focus on what’s best for the children, most parents can navigate the summer season without falling out over finances.

If you’re unsure about your rights or responsibilities, the family team at Mills & Reeve can provide clear, reliable guidance.