Calculator
Use the voluntary PCS guide calculator to explore a suggested contribution starting point before deciding whether PCS is right for you.
Open CalculatorPUTTING CHILDREN FIRST
Working together
for a brighter
future.
PCS helps separated parents create clear, affordable and child-focused arrangements for contributions, communication and practical support.
£10 per parent, per year
VoluntaryParents choose whether to use PCS and agree arrangements together.
Parent to parentChild contributions remain between the parents under the current model.
Clear recordsKeep agreements, changes, messages and payment records easier to follow.
Simple yearly access£10 per participating parent, per year for PCS access.
FREE TO ACCESS BEFORE REGISTERING
Public PCS help & tools
Most information and support tools below are free to access without registering. The Care Calendar requires a PCS account and sign-in.
Care Calendar
Plan shared-care dates, overnight stays, handovers, holidays and other important arrangements. Signed-in parents can use the calendar to organise care plans and keep track of changes.
PCS account and sign-in required to use this tool.
Open Care CalendarSafety & Support
Read practical safety information, domestic-abuse support routes and guidance for situations where direct communication may not be safe.
Safety & SupportMediation & Family Help
Find mediation, Family Court and dispute-resolution information, including official routes for further help.
Mediation & Family HelpCLEAR FROM THE START
Three simple steps
Create your own account
Each parent uses their own secure PCS login and account.
Discuss and agree
Use the calculator and parent tools to record a proposal both parents understand.
Keep a clear record
Keep the current arrangement, changes, messages and payment history together.
A PRACTICAL PARENT-TO-PARENT SERVICE
What PCS is built around
Child first
Start with the child’s day-to-day needs, stability and wellbeing rather than the dispute between adults.
Shared responsibility
Recognise the contribution both parents make through money, direct spending, time and practical care.
Affordable and workable
An arrangement is more useful when both parents understand it and it can realistically be followed.
Clear records
Keep proposals, accepted arrangements, changes and relevant payment information together so both parents can see what was recorded.