Parents know all too well about the financial responsibilities they have for their children, from an early age right through to adulthood. In many cases, this responsibility can end as soon as the child reaches the age of legal capacity, which in Scotland stands at 16. There are times, however, when it can continue all the way up to the age of 25.
In Scotland there are no university fees for a parent to pay, but of course the cost of studying is still expensive. Accommodation, books, equipment and general living expenses all have to be paid for, and this burden often falls on the parents. This is where aliment payments come into the equation. It’s worth noting as well that aliment payments can be made when a son or daughter is in vocational training for a job.
For parents who are divorced or separated, the payment of aliment can be a highly emotive subject, and as such it needs to be handled with care. In many instances, aliment will simply have evolved from previous child support arrangements, many of which will have been in effect for a number of years. If there has been friction in the past between the resident and the non-resident parent, situations can easily become somewhat heated.
Here at MML Law, we have helped a wide range of clients to get through the often complex world of aliment payments for students. We focus on workable solutions that are mutually agreeable to all parties, and are geared towards practical agreements that can be adhered to. In a number of instances, of course, the amounts contributed by each parent can often differ.
Agreed payment amounts will depend on a number of factors, including the resources a parent has, their savings and investments and perhaps their future earning capacity. And throughout the course of the agreement, financial capabilities can alter, sometimes leading to a change in the arrangements. Legal guidance from skilled and experienced specialists is therefore strongly recommended.
In some instances, a child will seek legal support to mount a claim for aliment payments from one or both of their parents. Although this is relatively rare, it’s not unheard of. At such times, the parent in question really should have a tenacious and determined legal representative in their corner.
If you are in need of the specialist support of the MML Law team, it’s important for you to get in touch as soon as possible. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident parent, or a child seeking our guidance, we’d like to hear from you. Aliment for students can be a complex matter, especially for those who aren’t used to handling legal matters, so call today on 01382 206 000. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
