Child Maintenance. Can I Get It If We Weren't Married?

No marriage. No ring. No “common law” rights. But does that mean no child maintenance? Absolutely not. In this essential episode of Get Legally Speaking, Hatti is joined by senior family law Barrister Maria Scotland to cut through some of the BIGGEST myths in family law and explain, in plain English, how child maintenance really works when parents were never married. They break down:

Whether being unmarried affects your right to child maintenance

How the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) actually works

What happens if the other parent refuses to pay

When the court can step in under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989

Why “common law marriage” is a myth — and why it matters

This is one of the most emotional and misunderstood areas of family law. Whether you’re newly separated, co-parenting, or simply want to know where you stand, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. No fear. No myths. Just the law — explained in plain and simple English.