Financial Support For Children: Schedule 1 Applications
Expert advice on financial provision for children where parents are unmarried.
Financial support for unmarried parents
The financial claims available to unmarried couples with children are very different from the claims available to spouses on divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership. Unmarried parents have limited rights to claim financial support for themselves.
However, Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 allows the court to make financial provision for the benefit of a child or children where appropriate. These applications can be complex and are often emotive. Our specialist family solicitors provide clear, strategic advice to help you understand your options and secure practical, child-focused outcomes.
Full-service law firm with offices nationwide
Expertise in family law, including child arrangements
Featured in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners
Ranked in The Times Best Law Firms 2026
What is a Schedule 1 application?
A Schedule 1 application is a court application made under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. It enables a parent, guardian or, in some cases, the child themselves to apply for financial provision for a child where the parents aren't married to each other.
Unlike financial claims where the parents are married, Schedule 1 claims are made for the benefit of the child, not the parent making the application.
Who can apply?
A Schedule 1 application may be made by:
A parent of the child
A legal guardian or special guardian
A person with whom the child lives
A child themselves (usually older children or young adults in education)
How do Schedule 1 claims differ from Child Maintenance?
Many parents receive support via the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). However, the CMS cannot address issues such as:
Housing provision for a child
School fees
Lump sums for specific capital needs
A Schedule 1 application can be made alongside or instead of CMS involvement.
What can the court order under Schedule 1?
The court has wide discretion under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, and may order:
Periodical payments (regular financial support, separate from Child Maintenance Service payments in some cases)
Lump sum payments
Housing provision (often through a property being purchased or transferred for the child and primary carer to live in, which is usually transferred back to the payer at a later stage)
School fees and educational expenses
Additional financial provision (where the child has particular needs)
Each case is decided on its own facts, but in all cases, the child’s welfare is the central consideration and deciding factor.
Get in touch
How to make a Schedule 1 application
Early legal advice is vital when arranging financial provision for children, to assess eligibility, scope and proportionality. Financial disclosure is usually required.
The court expects parties to explore negotiation or other forms of dispute resolution, such as mediation, where appropriate. Adverse costs orders may be made if a party doesn't engage in NCDR appropriately.
If agreement cannot be reached through negotiation, then an application is usually issued at court. Freeths family lawyers are highly experienced in representing clients in court.
The court may list one or more hearings, including:
A first directions appointment
A financial dispute resolution hearing (also known as an FDR)
Final hearing (if required)
The court has the power to make orders for the child’s needs, circumstances and longer-term welfare. This may be a consent order, which reflects agreement reached by the parties, or an order imposed on the parties following a contested final hearing.
Client success stories
Supporting primary carer with financial provisions
We acted for a mother, the primary carer, seeking financial provision for her two children following a relationship breakdown with a high-earning parent.
Through strategic advice and robust negotiation, we secured a settlement providing housing, ongoing financial support and contributions towards educational expenses, avoiding a final court hearing.
The outcome: Our client gained stability and certainty while ensuring the children’s long-term needs were met.
Ensuring suitable housing, childcare and healthcare-related expenses were met
We acted for a primary carer making a Schedule 1 application following the end of a relationship with a high-earning parent. The case focused on securing suitable housing and meeting the child’s ongoing needs.
Through clear advice, detailed financial evidence and constructive negotiations, we secured a property and lump sum payment without the need for contested proceedings.
The outcome:
Long-term stability was achieved for both the child and our client without the need for contested court proceedings.
Fair & proportionate provisions, genuinely focused on the child’s needs
We advised a high-earning parent responding to a Schedule 1 application involving housing, school fees and financial support claims. Through strategic advice on disclosure, affordability and settlement options, we successfully narrowed the issues through negotiation and secured a balanced outcome that met the child’s needs while protecting our client’s long-term financial position.
The outcome:
Our client gained clarity and certainty, avoiding the cost and stress of a final hearing.
Schedule 1 Application FAQs
Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 is designed to ensure children are properly provided for financially when parents aren't married, and there are resources available to the paying parent, particularly in relation to housing and additional needs.
Any benefit to a parent (such as by meeting their own housing needs) is incidental. The court’s focus is always on the child’s welfare and needs.
Yes. Child maintenance doesn't prevent claims for housing, education costs or lump sums under Schedule 1.
Timescales vary depending on some factors, including:
The complexity of the case
The extent of cooperation between parties
Court availability
Some cases can be resolved within months, but sometimes it may take longer.
Not always. Many cases settle through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, but court proceedings may be necessary if an agreement cannot be reached.
Why choose the Freeths family law team?
Specialist expertise in ensuring financial provision for children
Experience navigating complex Schedule 1 claims
A child focused, pragmatic approach to each application
Experience acting for both applicants and respondents – i.e. both pursuing and defending Schedule 1 applications
Proven success in high value and high conflict financial remedy claims
Sensitivity to the emotional and financial pressures involved
Flexible, tailored support, from background advice to full court representation
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in England and Wales and the Law Society of Scotland
Speak to our specialist family solicitors
If you're considering a Schedule 1 application or responding to one, our experienced family law team can provide clear advice, realistic guidance and robust support. We're here to help you protect your child’s future with confidence and clarity.
Contact us today to discuss Schedule 1 claims with a specialist near you, whether that's face-to-face, over the phone on 0330 100 1014 or via video call.
Our accreditations
We are celebrating another year of accreditations and rankings.
Client testimonials
"They offer an excellent client service – with a strong team having knowledge of the law; how to effectively address the issues and good back-up an...
The Legal 500, 2024
“They are knowledgeable and fervently represent their clients but they are also approachable and conciliatory.”
Chambers & Partners 2024
"They are a very high quality yet approachable and accessible specialist family team, with a broad-ranging practice. They don’t just focus on net w...
The Legal 500, 2023
"Freeths is a really well-rounded team who works collaboratively and efficiently to achieve the very best for the clients."
The Legal 500, 2023
"Freeth LLP’s Family Team is distinguished by its client-focused and comprehensive approach to family law, offering a seamless blend of legal exper...
The Legal 500, 2026
"Every member of the team demonstrates a genuine commitment to the service provided and an understanding of the area they advise. The deliver with...
The Legal 500, 2026
"The team are friendly and approachable, capable technically, but above all communicate in an efficient and appropriate manner with clients."
Chambers & Partners, 2026
"The Family practice at Freeths shows great care and compassion to its clients, a feature particularly welcomed as going through a divorce is a dif...
The Legal 500, 2025
"From the minute I spoke to the team at Freeths I knew they were definitely the firm for me. Freeths explained everything to me, what the divorce p...
The Legal 500, 2025
"Freeths is an excellent firm; the team is pragmatic, sensible and outcome-orientated, and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcom...
The Legal 500, 2025
"I really felt that there was a good balance between the business and the human side. Going through a separation myself, which is a tough moment, i...
The Legal 500, 2025
"The firm is excellent at providing legal advice balanced with an understanding of how families actually work."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"What distinguishes Freeths is their analytical skill. Their speed and accuracy is so good and exceptional."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Freeths is conscious of providing value for their clients, without cutting corners. Fee discussions are always open and realistic and tailored to...
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"They understand complex client needs and are able to assist those clients through a challenging time. They are a brilliant team to work with and t...
Chambers & Partners, 2025
"Freeths' solicitors have an excellent grasp of the law. They are approachable, pragmatic and solution-focused."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"Freeths' team members are a fantastic mix of approachable, down to earth and practical, while also being very 'in the detail' and up to speed with...
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"Freeths is a very good firm that goes above and beyond for its clients and supports them throughout and beyond the process."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"They remained professional and effective throughout the case. Their professionalism and calmness helped us as clients to remain calm and focus on...
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
"The team are friendly and approachable, capable technically, but above all communicate in an efficient and appropriate manner with clients."
Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Band 3
Related news & articles
Explore our library of legal articles covering every aspect of family law, from divorce and child arrangements to financial settlements and prenuptial agreements, designed to keep you informed and empowered
Contact us today
Whatever your legal needs, our wide ranging expertise is here to support you and your business, so let’s start your legal journey today and get you in touch with the right lawyer to get you started.
Get in touch
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.