What powers do the Child Maintenance Service have?

The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) in England and Wales has the power to calculate, arrange, and enforce child maintenance payments. It can also work to resolve disagreements regarding parentage and locate missing parents.

In cases of non-payment, the CMS can take various legal actions, including applying for liability or charging orders, and using bailiffs to seize assets.

The CMS also has the power to recover child maintenance by deducting maintenance payments from a salary, bank or building society account or benefits at source.

In cases of non-compliance, the CMS can disqualify a non-compliant parent from holding or obtaining a driving licence or UK passport.