In its response to the government’s consultation on the child maintenance green paper, which closed earlier this month, the institute agreed that introducing charges would incentivise couples to avoid conflict and would therefore be beneficial for children.
But the charity added that any new approach to child maintenance should be accompanied by an integrated support service that helps parents understand their responsibilities and rights, set up contact arrangements, meet children’s needs and negotiate money management and the benefit system.
Rob Williams, Fatherhood Institute chief executive, said: "If parents can reduce the conflict between each other then they will be much better placed to do well for their children. Charging would be a great incentive but it would be very unfair if you don’t improve the services available to separating couples.
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