Child maintenance – a blank cheque? How much is too much? Kick-off in Goodman v Walker…
£31,200.00 for astro turf, £6,000.00 in hot tub maintenance annually, a £70,000.00 car every three years…
These are just some of the expenses Lauryn Goodman supposedly demanded to be met by England footballer Kyle Walker by way of child maintenance for their two children; this in addition to the £110,000 annual maintenance Walker already provides for their two children.
Does the Court order a blank cheque?
In short, no. Following a two day hearing before the Central Family Court in London, which concluded on 17th July 2024, the Court found Ms Goodman’s requests to be unmeasured and exaggerated, and resultantly waved the vast majority of her financial demands.
Child maintenance is financial contribution provided by the non-custodial parent to maintain and support the development of the child. The Court’s role is to make a reasonable, fair and necessary order regarding financial remedies.
The following circumstances will all be considered and balanced:
- the financial resources and responsibilities of each party
- the financial resources and needs of the child
- any physical or mental disability of the child
- the current and expected manner of education or training of the child
Therefore, although there may be considerable financial resources available, such as in the case of premier league footballer Walker who reportedly earns £160,000.00 per week, this must be analysed in the context of the reality of the needs of the child. As such, the Court will not make awards for unreasonable claims disguised as necessary for the child. For example, the Judge found Ms Goodman’s current car to be perfectly suitable and adequate for transporting the children, despite the fact that Walker owns more expensive cars, and dismissed the £70,000.00 vehicle claimed. Conversely, the Court shall not permit one parent to lead a luxurious lifestyle while the other needlessly faces financial stress, and can award sums in excess of the direct needs of the child under the principle that supporting the parent will consequently support the child.
As outlined above, the figure ordered to be written on the cheque will be very dependent on the particular context of your family. Unsure whether your maintenance requests, or the maintenance sums being demanded from you, are acceptable? Our expert family team are here to advise.
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