Maintenance

These orders are to be varied up or down by either the paying party or the party receiving and, if there is a failure to pay, then enforcement proceedings may be an option. However, please consider why there has been no payment as there may be circumstances which should be investigated. You might find yourself running off to court, only to find the paying could not pay. Had there been some communication beforehand, this situation could well have been avoided.

Compromise is key!

Most child maintenance will be dealt with by the Child Maintenance Service (CMS):

Cohabitation/Unmarried Families

Claims for the Children.

In certain cases, there is maintenance provision for children under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 – the Courts have the powers to make a Periodical Payments Order for a child (or children) in certain defined circumstances.

For the most part, such applications relate to parties who have not married or have formed a civil partnership and advice should be sought.

The people that are eligible to bring about these actions are:

A parent, a step-parent of the child, a special guardian, or a person with whom the child is entitled to live under a Child Arrangement Order (the list is not exhaustive).

The court, in deciding whether to exercise its powers under Sch 1 (and subject to the rules in which this law provides), will have to consider a number of circumstances. Advice should, therefore, be sought before rushing to make an application.

Enquire now

Dean Vickery has been my family solicitor for the past year and has been instrumental in providing excellent and meaningful support during my very harrowing divorce process. Dean brings a breadth of experience in this arena and understands how to apply patience and resolve at the correct times during the process. Dean shows empathy and offers succinct advice based on his wealth of knowledge and experience. I have been very glad to recommend Dean to my contacts.
Sheeraz
Dean is a dedicated professional, a person of utmost integrity. Truly puts his clients best interests first. Conscientious in all regards. A big thumbs up from me. Thank you!
Carmine
He is a rare gem of a Solicitor who will always put his clients’ needs first. His advice and guidance is always solid, experienced, always with his client at the forefront. He is professional, honest, direct, is clear in the information he is sharing and I have felt in very safe hands. What separates Dean from most solicitors, he is a man of his word. If he says he’s going to do something, it’s done. You don’t have to continually chase him for updates. If you phone him, he answers, if you email him, he replies.
Trish
It was my first time choosing a solicitor to represent me in a family court matter. I can honestly say that Mr Vickery by far exceeded my expectations in terms or service and representation. He guided me through the process and most importantly was empathetic and determined on my behalf to achieve a great result. I honestly cannot thank him enough for the peace I have attained from the result of the hearing. He is worth every penny and I would highly recommend him to anyone without hesitation.
Amel
Dean represented me for a hearing that went on for a lot longer than anticipated. He worked tirelessly and around the clock for days, and got the outcome I needed. I can not fault the dedication, attention to detail, availability, professionalism, hard work and fight that Dean put up on my behalf. He took time to explain everything to me and check I was ok. The service was second to none and he put me at total ease. I will definately be using only Dean in the future. Thank you so much! There's only one Deano! X
Raichel
Excellent and professional service. Dean has gone above and beyond to support me. I honestly would not of got through the initial hearing without Mr Vickery's support. I would highly recommend Dean.
Sallyanne
This guy is genuinely a cut above the rest. I cannot stress how far apart he is. The detail and focus on the work he produces is like nothing else I have seen and is always on point. I cannot thank Dean enough for his valued help and support. If anyone out there is having a difficult time with family related matters, do not go anywhere else.
- Gareth
Dean is personable, open and has integrity. You can tell this is more than a job to him, this is a calling to help people and he gives back which is admirable. Dean is absolutely someone I trust over and over; I trust his advice and I would trust any recommendation outside his area of expertise.
- Trish
I have been in floods of tears, but still able to smile and see the positives. And his advice was like no other’s. His approach has always been above and beyond anyone else’s. I don’t think I could’ve got through my nightmare alone, and so I want to say a massive thank you to Dean Vickery. I will recommend you forever. Thank you, Dean for your ongoing support and time.
- Gemma
He has been at the end of the phone: in the morning, late at night, on his days off and even over Christmas. He has travelled over 100 miles to meet with me and listen and to offer his support – when he really didn’t have to.
- Gemma
Dean will be there for you in the evenings, weekends and on Christmas Day, if needed. In family related cases, you have to address issues promptly and the service Dean provides gives you just that. He works for the client at times to suit you. He will even come to your house to meet you and run through your case with you. I seriously cannot get my point across strongly enough that this guy is an absolute superstar! A true cut above the rest: not by a yard, but by ten country miles.
- Gareth
They would always work with you when it was convenient for them and this made me very annoyed. I came across Dean, and everything changed. He genuinely cares about your case and goes so far over and above. The cost of the service becomes irrelevant because you get so much value.
- Gareth
Dean came recommended from a family member and since my first conversation with him I knew he was a decent guy. I needed some advice on a family matter, Dean was open with his advice and the steps I needed to follow. His knowledge of the law is vast and his willingness to help and share this is commendable. He is straight talking and delivers information in a clear way, and he certainly doesn’t hide behind “lawyer” speak- which is a huge positive!
- Trish
If you have a Family related issue (or have in the past), you can appreciate how emotionally difficult and frustrating the process is. Other solicitors I used, I never felt they really cared. I would call and they were always too busy, or not there to take my call. They would always work with you when it was convenient for them and this made me very annoyed.
- Gareth
I found Dean to be very professional and straight to the point. Empathetic, excellent communicator and cuts through all the jargon. He explains the whole process and leaves his clients in no doubt. An honest professional who talks from his own personal and professional experiences. There are always two sides to each story: I am pleased to have Dean representing me. Without doubt, a talented and knowledgeable professional.
- Paul
I don’t usually do this, but then I’ve never had anyone in my life who has been there for me quite like this. This man has been there from the start of what I can only describe as the worst time of my life ever. He has been compassionate, fair, patient, honest, supportive, kind, comforting and so much more. Above all, so professional and so knowledgeable in the Family Law field. Where others did not know how to ask the right questions, he already had the answers.
- Gemma
I am pleased to say that Dean is very good at his job and treats his clients with care and compassion. He is very knowledgeable in his field and works hard to get what his clients need while giving very good, no nonsense advice.
- Paul
Dean is a very professional and caring solicitor that goes out of his way to help and support his clients. He is the only solicitor that I met with that I felt I could fully trust; that actually cared about the case, not about making as much money as possible. I would never use anyone else.
- Sam
Dean is a fantastic solicitor who goes above and beyond to ensure that his services are available when and where you need them. He gives 100% to his clients and focuses on you as a person and getting the best outcome for you. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Thank you, Dean!
- Chloe
I can highly recommend Dean. The service he provides is exceptional: it is on a completely different level to other family solicitors I have used in the past. Dean has helped me more than words can ever describe. He offers an out of hours service which is invaluable, and he has been there for me whenever needed: in the evening on weekends, even working on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in order to help me with my circumstances.
- Gareth
Dean is an excellent family solicitor who goes above and beyond for his clients. His clients’ needs are always his top priority. He is very personal in his approach and I cannot recommend highly enough. First class in his field.
- Trish