CMS Hub explains the system but cannot look at your case. These organisations can. Most are free.
Child maintenance and the CMS
| Organisation | How they help |
|---|---|
| Child Maintenance Options | Free, impartial information. You must contact them before applying to the CMS. |
| Child Maintenance Service | The service itself: manage your case online or by phone |
| Citizens Advice | Free advice on child maintenance, complaints and appeals |
| Gingerbread | Information and support for single parent families |
| Turn2us | Help with benefits, grants and money worries |
Tribunals and appeals
| Organisation | How they help |
|---|---|
| Support Through Court | Volunteers who help people without lawyers to prepare for hearings |
| Advicenow | Plain-English guides to appeals and courts |
| Advocate | Free help from volunteer barristers, through a referral |
| LawWorks | Find free legal advice clinics |
| Law Centres Network | Find a local law centre |
Family court and parenting
| Organisation | How they help |
|---|---|
| Family Mediation Council | Find an accredited mediator and check if you can get a free mediation voucher |
| Cafcass | Information for parents going through the family court in England |
| Cafcass Cymru | The same service in Wales |
| Help with court fees | Check whether you can pay less or nothing |
| Resolution | Find family lawyers who work in a non-confrontational way |
Safety and wellbeing
| Organisation | Contact |
|---|---|
| Emergency | 999 |
| National Domestic Abuse Helpline | 0808 2000 247, free, 24 hours |
| Men’s Advice Line | 0808 801 0327 |
| Samaritans | 116 123, free, any time |
| Shout | Text SHOUT to 85258 |
Your MP
Your MP can raise problems with the CMS on your behalf, and is the route to the Ombudsman. Find them at members.parliament.uk.