AS Devon parents who default on child maintenance payments face damaged credit ratings, a leading family charity based in Exeter says it is more important than ever that separating parents “take a few deep breaths” in the heat of their conflict to agree realistic and sustainable payment schedules.

The Government has announced plans for child maintenance non-payment information to be shared with credit reference agencies from next spring, figuring the threat of losing out on a mortgage, credit card or mobile phone contract could help force defaulting parents into paying what they owe.

But National Family Mediation (NFM) says the measure further highlights how important it is that child maintenance payment schedules are made by mutual agreement and that they are sustainable.

“It is of course vital that children are properly supported following a family break-up, yet often an unrealistic payment schedule is imposed by a court or the child maintenance service when an alternative approach could have brought much better results for everyone,” says Jane Robey, NFM Chief Executive. “The bottom line is that non-payment of maintenance means families face hardship, with the children usually bearing the brunt.

“It is not easy for separating couples, in the heat of a conflict, to take a few deep breaths and involve a third party to help them agree a sensible way forward. But doing so can lead to more sustainable payment agreements, making for a better future for all concerned especially the children.

“It’s not easy but it’s a lot less stressful, and much quicker to make a settlement than if you drag everything through the family court process.

“The real danger is that the imposition of unrealistic payments, combined with fees and now threats of poor credit ratings, will further fuel resentments and hostilities within separated families. When anger is stoked in this way, ultimately it’s the children who lose out – and not just financially - as it makes it so much harder to maintain a good relationship with both parents.

“News that non-payment of child maintenance could hinder your ability to get a loan, mortgage or credit card means it is more important than ever that child maintenance payments are made by mutual agreements and that they are sustainable,” she added.

Jane Robey says there is hope even for those who find themselves in the middle of an untenable payment schedule: “It’s better to agree at the outset, but mediation can also help couples revise existing schedules to put life back on to a more sustainable footing.”