Orders for financial relief (children) CA 1989 s. 15
CA 1989 s. 15 enables courts to make financial orders for children under Schedule 1, re-enacting earlier maintenance provisions.
Schedule 1 (which consists primarily of the re-enactment, with consequential amendments and minor modifications, of provisions of section 6 of Family Law Reform Act 1969 the Guardianship of Minors Acts 1971 and 1973, the Children Act 1975 and of sections 15 and 16 of the Family Law Reform Act 1987) makes provision in relation to financial relief for children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text in force at .
Source: legislation.gov.uk — The National Archives (legislation.gov.uk), reproduced under licence Open Government Licence v3.0.
What it actually says
Section 15 of the Children Act 1989 is a short introductory section. It brings into force Schedule 1, which contains the detailed rules on financial relief orders for children.
Schedule 1 re-enacts provisions from earlier legislation, including the Family Law Reform Act 1969 and the Children Act 1975. It allows courts to make orders such as periodical payments, lump sums, property transfers, and settlements for the benefit of a child.
The section itself does not list the specific orders; those are set out in Schedule 1.
When it applies
- A parent applies for a periodical payments order for child maintenance from the other parent.
- A grandparent who is caring for a child seeks a lump sum from the parents to cover the child's expenses.
- A young adult over 18 applies for financial provision to support their education or training.
- A parent requests a property settlement order to provide a home for the child.
What this section does not say
- Child arrangements orders (these are covered by section 12 of the same Act).
- Parental responsibility orders (section 2 of the Act).
- Compensation for financial loss (sections 11O and 11P of the Act).
- Care or supervision orders (not dealt with by this section).
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This page reproduces the text of CA 1989 s. 15 in force at the date shown and explains it in general terms. It is not legal advice and takes no account of the circumstances of your case, which can change the answer completely. For a live dispute, for limitation periods, and before taking any step in court, consult a qualified lawyer in England and Wales.