How to use these templates
Each template opens in Microsoft Word, Pages, LibreOffice or Google Docs. Text in [square brackets] is for you to replace. Delete any paragraph that does not apply. If you would rather fill in a form, use the letter builder.
Keeping records
Care diary (monthly)
A printable month grid to record where the children sleep, handovers and changes.
Phone call log
Record every call with the CMS, and when you confirmed it in writing (landscape).
Letters to the CMS
Mandatory reconsideration request
Ask the CMS to look again at a decision. Send within one month of the date on the decision letter.
Late mandatory reconsideration request
For when the one month time limit has passed. Explains why you are late. Must be within 13 months of the decision.
Report a change in shared care
Tell the CMS the number of nights has changed into a different band.
Ask the CMS to use current income
For when the paying parent's income has changed by 25% or more from the HMRC figure.
Variation request
Ask for special expenses (paying parent) or additional income (receiving parent) to be taken into account.
Propose an arrears payment plan
Offer an affordable plan to repay arrears, before enforcement starts.
Ask the CMS to take enforcement action
For receiving parents: ask the CMS to collect missed payments and confirm what it will do.
Tribunal appeal
Written submission
A structured skeleton for your tribunal argument, with numbered paragraphs and guidance.
Evidence index
A page-numbered index for your evidence bundle (landscape).
Chronology
A one or two page timeline of key events with evidence references.
Witness statement
For someone who has seen the arrangements first-hand, with a statement of truth.
Day to day care table
Who does what across school, health, activities and more, with evidence. For equal care cases.
Hearing preparation checklist
What to do two weeks before, the week before, on the day and afterwards.
Reasons for appeal (SSCS2 continuation sheet)
Set out your grounds of appeal clearly, to attach to form SSCS2.
Reasons for a late appeal
Explain why your SSCS2 is late. Must be within 13 months of the mandatory reconsideration notice.
Request to add a new ground of appeal
Ask the tribunal for permission to rely on a point you did not include in your original SSCS2.
Reply to the DWP response (covering letter)
A covering letter to send with your written reply and further evidence.
Postponement request
Ask the tribunal to move a hearing date. Send as soon as you know.
After the tribunal
Request for a statement of reasons
Ask the judge for a written explanation. Send within one month of the decision notice.
Application to set aside a decision
For procedural problems, such as not receiving notice of the hearing. Send within one month.
Application for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal
Ask the First-tier Tribunal for permission to appeal on a point of law. Send within one month of the statement of reasons.
Records and complaints
Subject access request to DWP
Ask DWP for copies of your CMS records, case notes and call recordings. Free, and due within one month.
Ask the CMS to explain a decision
Ask what evidence a decision was based on and how it was worked out.
Complaint to the CMS
A clear first complaint about delay, poor service or mistakes.
Escalate a complaint within the CMS
When the first reply did not resolve your complaint.
Complaint to the Independent Case Examiner
After the CMS final response. Send within six months of it.
Ask your MP for help
Ask your MP to raise your case with the CMS, or to refer a complaint to the Ombudsman.