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Family court and the CMS: when a child arrangements order changes the picture
The CMS and the family court are separate systems, but a court order about care can be the strongest evidence you have. How the…
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Representing yourself: staying calm and organised
Being your own advocate while parenting and working is hard. Practical habits that keep the case under control without it taking over.
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Complaint or appeal? Choosing the right route
Many parents put appeal points in complaints and complaint points in appeals. Getting the route right saves months.
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CMS reforms: where things stand in October 2026
Direct Pay abolition, a 2% fee, a lower income change threshold and enforcement changes. What has been announced, what has happened and what it…
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Phone calls with the CMS: keeping a record that stands up
Phone calls are where misunderstandings start. A simple system for logging calls, confirming them in writing and getting the recordings when it matters.
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Nights are not the whole story: understanding day to day care
When care is shared equally, the CMS has to decide who provides more day to day care. Many parents do not realise this question…
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Writing a tribunal submission a judge can follow
Judges read dozens of bundles. A short, structured submission that leads with the answer and points to the evidence will be read properly.
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How to read a DWP appeal response without panicking
The appeal bundle can make it feel as though the case is lost before it starts. It is not. A method for reading it…
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Why a simple care diary beats a perfect memory
When nights of care are disputed, the parent with records made at the time usually has the advantage. Here is how to keep one…
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Ten things I wish I had known before my first CMS phone call
The first call to the Child Maintenance Service sets the tone for everything after it. These are the lessons I learned the hard way.