Maintenance for children is usually sorted out as part of Ancillary Relief (the financial settlement) and is calculated separately from any maintenance paid to a spouse. In working out how much maintenance you think you need to pay or should be getting consider extras such as who will be paying for school fees and extra curricular activities.
It is essential that you keep any matters regarding money separate from arrangements for the children. Using the children as bargaining tools to get more money for their upkeep will not be viewed well in court and could cause complications in your divorce proceedings.
In the past maintenance payments could be offset against assets as part of a divorce settlement. The Child Support Agency now has the power to override most maintenance agreements, even those agreed in court, so offering your spouse assets or a lump sum towards future maintenance is probably not a good idea.
For further information on child support and the CSA visit our Finance Section