• The CMS do not share personal information such as address or contact numbers.

• A receiving parents’ bank account details will be shared for a Direct Pay arrangements only if the receiving parent asks CMS to do this.

• Many banks and building societies offer accounts that use a central or non geographical sort code instead in place of a sort code linked to a local branch where the account was opened. If you would like more information about this service, speak directly to your bank.

• Some banks also have accounts where payment reference text can be hidden if deemed malicious.

  With sufficient contact information the other parent will be contacted regarding the application in as soon as a few days. The progress of the application can be seen on the online portal, which will be updated when the CMS takes action and contacts the other parent. The progress will be updated when CMS are contacting the other parent.

• Both parents will have different reference numbers to access their child maintenance accounts. Parents can only view their own personal information.

• If an appeal goes to First tier tribunal stage, all evidence sent in by either parent and the CMS is shared with both parents. This also includes logs of CMS calls made by both parents relating to the decision being appealed. Parents can request certain information be kept confidential. However the decision whether the information is withheld rests with the tribunal. Visit (terminology) for more information.

• All children a paying parent has responsibility for are taken into account when calculating child maintenance. In the calculation breakdown, this will appear as ‘ Other children the parent has responsibility for’. The CMS will not share any personal formation about children not named on the CMS case.

• CMS holds names and dates of birth of children named on the case

• CMS will communicate the child maintenance journey to both parents including payment dates, calculation and, if requested to do so, bank details.

• Both parents do not always receive the same letters or communication from CMS

• Certain reported changes will be communicated to both parents such as change to income or change to care arrangements and will usually appear on ‘Track Changes’ on the online portal (Navigating the online portal)

• Children and young people may at times hear child maintenance being spoken about. To help them understand what child maintenance is there is information in a child friendly format available here: Children & Young peoples information

Domestic Abuse can take various forms. The NHS have produced a helpful guide on types of domestic abuse Domestic abuse - NHS Safeguarding

Domestic Abuse can take many forms. You do not have to be in a relationship to experience domestic abuse. Post separation abuse can occur once a relationship has ended.

Womens Aid have a supportive guide to understanding the types of domestic abuse What is Domestic Abuse? Understanding the Signs | Scottish Women's Aid

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You can also report Domestic Abuse by:

• Calling 101

• Contacting your local police station

• Filling in a Police Scotland online domestic abuse form

There are organisations that can provide support to families experiencing domestic abuse

For further information:

England/UK: Domestic abuse: how to get help - GOV.UK

Scotland: Domestic abuse: support - mygov.scot

Wales: Domestic abuse | GOV.WALES

Northern Ireland: Domestic abuse | nidirect