The Child Support Agency has responsibility for a formula assessment of maintenance, now called child support. The formula assessment process takes into account the taxable income of both parents and takes into account any natural or adopted children living with either parent. A percentage of the non-custodial parent's income, after an allowance for expenses, is paid in child support. There are protected income levels for custodial and non-custodial parents. Non-custodial parents will not pay child support if their income is below the protected income level.
Custodial parents can earn up to a certain amount before the child support they receive is reduced.
The Department of Social Security can provide a custodial parent with details of current protected income levels. If a parent is in receipt of Department of Social Security benefits, the agreed sum must be at a level acceptable to the Department of Social Security. Parents of children are still free to enter into a Child Support Agreement. Registering the agreement with the Child Support Agency is advisable. Further information on Child Support Agreements is available from the Child Support Agency or a solicitor.