If the non-resident parent lives abroad and does not fall into one of the categories above then the parent with care can apply to the UK courts for child maintenance.

If the parent with care needs help in collecting the money awarded under the court order for maintenance they can contact the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders section at the Official Solicitor & Public Trustee.

Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders - or REMO - is the process by which maintenance orders made by UK courts on behalf of UK residents can be registered and enforced by the courts or other authorities in other countries.

This is a reciprocal arrangement which means that foreign maintenance orders in favour of individuals abroad can be registered and enforced by UK courts against UK residents.

You can get more information about the rules for applications for child maintenance when one or more parents live outside the UK from our National Helpline on 0151 243 1901.
(If you are calling from abroad: +44 151 243 1901.)

Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders - or REMO - is the process by which maintenance orders made by UK courts, on behalf of UK residents, can be registered and enforced by courts or other authorities in other countries against people resident there.

This is a reciprocal arrangement governed by international conventions, which means that foreign maintenance orders in favour of individuals abroad can likewise be registered and enforced by UK courts against UK residents.

Registration of orders made in Commonwealth or designated countries
Where—
(a)A maintenance order has been made against any person by any Court in a Commonwealth or designated country; or

(b)A maintenance order made provisionally only against any person by any such Court has been confirmed in a Commonwealth or designated country—

the order may be registered in New Zealand by filing a certified copy in the office of a District Court in New Zealand in the prescribed manner.