Maintenance Documents Checklist

When It Applies

Not For

• Calculating the exact maintenance amount without full legal and financial advice.
• Domestic violence, urgent child-safety, relocation, or abduction matters that need immediate specialist help.

Documents

• ID documents
• Children's birth certificates
• Existing maintenance order
• Divorce or settlement agreement
• Payslips
• Bank statements
• Tax records
• School accounts
• Medical accounts
• Expense receipts
• Payment proof
• Arrears schedule

Timeline

• Before applying: collect income, expense, child, and payment records.
• Before hearing: prepare the monthly budget and disputed expenses.
• On the day: save court references and next dates.
• Afterwards: track payments and update arrears records.

Tips

• Use one spreadsheet or table for recurring monthly expenses.
• Keep child-specific expenses separate from general household expenses.
• Save proof of direct payments to schools, doctors, or caregivers.
• Ask for help if the other parent cannot be traced or income is hidden.

Warning Signs

• Arrears are growing quickly.
• A parent is hiding income, changing jobs, or avoiding service.
• There is already a court order and payments are not being made.
• The matter is linked to domestic violence, relocation, blocked contact, or urgent child needs.