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Family Law

When does the obligation to pay child maintenance end and in what circumstance can it continue beyond age 16?

When does the obligation to pay child maintenance end and in what circumstance can it continue beyond age 16?

Child maintenance usually ends on 31 August after your child turns 16, but only if they leave full-time education or training. If your child stays in approved education or training, payments can continue until they turn 20.

If your child leaves education or training, maintenance stops on the next key date which will be the earliest of either: end of February, May, August, or November.

Even after payments stop, the paying parent might still owe money if they’ve missed past payments.

Approved education includes full-time education of:

  • A Levels, T Levels, Scottish Highers, IB, or similar
  • NVQs or vocational qualifications (up to Level 3)
  • Home education (if started before 16 or due to special needs)
  • Unpaid traineeships or training programs

It does not include:

  • University or higher-level courses
  • Apprenticeships
  • Courses paid for by an employer
  • Paid job training

You are required to inform the relevant authorities if there has been a change in circumstances. If you believe you the above may apply to you or your child, please contact our expert family law solicitors who are based in Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath and Sutton Coldfield and serve clients across the West Midlands.

For all new enquiries, please call 01902 328 365 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will respond.