Financial Provision for Children of Unmarried Parents

Schedule 1 Children Act Solicitors

When parents are not married, the court has powerful tools to ensure a child's financial needs are met. Our expert child law solicitors are specialists in Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, helping you secure comprehensive financial provision for your child.

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What is a Schedule 1 Application?

A Schedule 1 application is a claim made under the Children Act 1989 for financial provision for a child. It is used by unmarried parents and is crucial in situations where the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) calculation is insufficient to meet a child's needs, often in cases involving high-net-worth individuals.

Top-Up Child Maintenance

If the paying parent is a high earner (over £156,000 gross per year), we can apply to the court for maintenance payments above the maximum CMS assessment.

Discuss Maintenance

Lump Sum Payments

The court can order a lump sum payment to cover specific capital needs for the child, such as furnishing a home, buying a car for school runs, or for a child with disabilities.

Secure a Lump Sum

Property Settlement

A Schedule 1 Order can require a parent to provide a home for the child and the parent they live with. The property is usually held in trust and reverts back to the paying parent when the child finishes their education.

Arrange Housing

School Fees & Specific Costs

We can help you secure legally binding orders for the payment of private school fees, university costs, or other specific expenses that are not covered by standard maintenance.

Cover School Fees
A Wildlings family solicitor providing expert advice on a complex Schedule 1 financial application

A Strategic & Discreet Approach

Schedule 1 cases often involve complex financial affairs and high-profile individuals. Our approach is always meticulous, strategic, and completely discreet. We are skilled negotiators who aim to settle matters out of court, but we are also formidable litigators ready to robustly represent your child's interests.

  • Financially Astute: We are experts in analysing complex financial disclosure and business assets.
  • Discreet & Confidential: We handle every case with the utmost sensitivity and discretion.
  • Child-Focused Negotiation: We ensure negotiations remain focused on securing the right provision for your child.
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Questions About Schedule 1 Applications

Who can make a Schedule 1 application?

An application can be made by a parent, guardian, special guardian, or anyone who holds a 'live with' Child Arrangement Order for a child. The application is always made for the benefit of the child.

How does the court decide what is a fair amount?

The court has wide discretion and considers all the circumstances of the case. Key factors include the child's financial needs, the income and earning capacity of both parents, any disabilities the child may have, and the standard of living the child enjoyed before the parents separated.

Does a Schedule 1 Order provide maintenance for the parent?

No. A Schedule 1 Order is exclusively for the benefit of the child. While it can provide a home for the parent to live in with the child, the order itself does not provide any personal maintenance for the parent. This is different from the spousal maintenance available to married couples.

Secure the Right Financial Provision for Your Child

Navigating a Schedule 1 application requires specialist legal expertise. Contact our expert family solicitors for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.

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