Research and campaign

Children could be missing out because too many parents do not know how to sort out child maintenance after separation, according to a major new survey.

In a poll of over 900 separated parents with children aged 18 or below, the overwhelming majority (93%) said they believe mothers and fathers still have a financial responsibility to their children even if they don't live with them. But over a third (36%) said they did not know where to go to get impartial information about child maintenance.

The results also showed:

• Over 40% of those questioned said they discussed their separation with friends
• One in four (25%) spoke to their mothers and the same number said they didn't talk to anyone at all
• Over half (52%) believed an impartial, confidential information service would have been helpful during separation

The research coincided with the launch of a national campaign to raise awareness of the Child Maintenance Options service.

For more details see the press release.