Methodology

This page explains how CMS Help tools work and where they are limited.

How the estimator works

• Starts from gross weekly income entered by the user.
• Applies reduction for other children in the paying parent's household.
• Applies percentage rate based on number of qualifying children.
• Applies shared care reduction based on nights per year.
• Outputs indicative weekly and yearly values.

Assumptions

• Single paying parent and one active case context.
• Stable income profile (no advanced handling for fluctuating self-employment or one-off spikes).
• No variation decision applied unless the user models it manually.
• Collection fees are treated separately from core liability.

Letter builder standard

• Templates follow the GOV.UK / Citizens Advice CMS pathway: explanation → MR → tribunal, and separately complaint → review → ICE.
• Exports use Word-compatible .doc and browser PDF/print for formal packs.
• Drafts are guidance only — deadlines and wording should be checked against your CMS letters.

Limits and disclaimer

• Estimator output is not an official CMS decision.
• A mismatch indicates a case for challenge, not proof by itself.
• Always request written breakdowns and source periods used in CMS decisions.
• CMS Help provides information support, not legal advice.

Evidence standard

• Prefer primary records: CMS letters, statements, bank evidence, court documents.
• Log dates and references for every event.
• Separate proven facts from assumptions.
• Redact identifying child and third-party details before sharing documents.