The recent Family Court judgment involving professional footballer Kyle Walker and influencer Lauryn Goodman brings to light the critical role of Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 in ensuring the financial well-being of children following a separation.

As more high-profile cases make their way through the courts, it becomes increasingly clear how professional legal guidance is essential when dealing with financial provision for children to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome.

Understanding Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989

Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 allows the Family Court to order financial provisions on behalf of a child. These orders can be made at the request of a parent, guardian or anyone named in a child arrangements order as a person with whom the child lives. The provisions may include housing, maintenance and other financial needs essential for the child’s welfare. The court will take into account a number of factors, including the income and earning capacity of a party when considering the appropriate level of financial provision for a child.

Lauryn Goodman v Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker is well-known for his contributions to the football teams Manchester City and England, however his affair with influencer Lauryn Goodman, which led to the birth of their two children, has recently overshadowed his on-field prowess.

On 30th July 2024, Walker found himself before the Family Court for a second time, following a new application from Goodman under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

The First Application

Goodman made her initial application to the court for their first child, Kiaro, on 3^rd June 2020, where Walker was later ordered to:

• Pay £1,800,000 to Goodman for purchasing a large property in Sussex for herself and Kairo (the property to revert to Walker on the child finishing education).
• Contribute £75,000 for furnishing the new home.
• Provide over £40,000 to cover existing liabilities.
• Pay £8,000 per month in child maintenance.
• Provide a replacement car for Goodman every 4 years, up to the value of £45,000.
• Pay for life insurance for himself to cover his financial obligations under the terms of the Order.
• Pay Goodman’s legal costs.

The Second Application

Goodman made a subsequent application on 30^th June 2023, 48 hours after their second child Kinara was born, which later brought additional financial obligations for Walker, as follows:

• A further £5,000 required for additional furniture.
• £16,176 in arrears for child maintenance to be settled.
• £12,000 to be allocated to purchasing a car for the children’s nanny.
• Child maintenance payments to increase from £8,000 to £12,500 per month.
• Ordered to cover nursery, school and childcare costs.
• Ordered to pay further costs towards Goodman’s legal fees.

Jane Davison, Head of Family Law says “Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 plays a vital role in securing financial stability for children born from non-marital relationships, as well as for children whose parents are not in a relationship with each other. Expert legal assistance is crucial.”

With offices in Bolton and Blackburn, we have an experienced family law team specialising in child law ready to support you through every step of the process. Whether you are the applicant, respondent or even the child involved (if over 18), our team are here to assess the financial needs within the case and guide you towards a fair resolution.