What is a family based arrangement?

A family based arrangement is a private informal agreement between parents on how they will financially support their child without involving a third party such as the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) or the Court.

Parents can agree on any arrangement that suits their situation, including regular payments or direct payment for specific items like school uniforms or school trips. An arrangement can also include non-financial contributions, such as childcare.

A family based arrangement is not legally enforceable, and relies on cooperation between parents. If one parent stops cooperating, either parent can seek a formal arrangement through the CMS or court.