Can I make a Schedule 1 claim if we were never married?

Yes. Schedule 1 is specifically designed for unmarried parents. Unlike financial remedy (which requires marriage or civil partnership), Schedule 1 applies where there is a child of both parents regardless of whether the parents were ever in a formal relationship.

Does Schedule 1 cover property transfer?

Yes. Courts can order a lump sum payment, settlement or transfer of property, or periodical payments for the benefit of a child. Property orders under Schedule 1 typically revert to the payer when the child reaches adulthood or finishes education. Family court accountants assess the capital and income available to fund such orders.

Schedule 1 child support statutes: Family Court Accountant

The Family Court Building in Philadelphia

Courtroom in the Cherokee County Courthouse, North Carolina

What Is a Schedule 1 Claim?

Schedule 1 of the child support statutes allows unmarried parents (and in some cases parents who were never in a relationship) to apply to the court for financial provision for their children, including lump sum payments, property transfer orders, and periodical payments. The applicant parent (usually the primary carer) seeks financial support from the respondent parent, typically a higher earner.

When Is a Family Court Accountant Needed in Schedule 1?

Schedule 1 child support statutes applications can involve complex financial questions, particularly where the respondent parent is a high earner, business owner, or has complex assets, requiring expert valuations and disclosure processes.
Common accounting issues include business income assessment (what is truly available for child support), business valuation for capital provision calculation, lifestyle analysis to establish the standard of living to which the child should be accustomed, and hidden income investigation where the respondent controls their own earnings.

Schedule 1 vs Divorce Financial Remedy: Key Differences

Schedule 1 vs financial remedy (divorce): key differences
Feature	Equitable Distribution (Divorce)	Schedule 1
Married?	Yes	No
Framework	MCA 1973, FPR	CA 1989 Sch 1, FPR
Asset division	Full matrimonial pot	Provision for child only
Costs position	Each party usually bears own	Different costs rules
Primary purpose	Fair division	Child's needs

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a Schedule 1 claim if we were never married?: Yes. Schedule 1 is specifically designed for unmarried parents. Unlike financial remedy (which requires marriage or civil partnership), Schedule 1 applies where there is a child of both parents regardless of whether the parents were ever in a formal relationship.
Does Schedule 1 cover property transfer?: Yes. Courts can order a lump sum payment, settlement or transfer of property, or periodical payments for the benefit of a child. Property orders under Schedule 1 typically revert to the payer when the child reaches adulthood or finishes education. Family court accountants assess the capital and income available to fund such orders.

Learn more about the process in how a family court accountant works, or contact us to discuss your case.

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