Is CSA1 an exact science? (if so where can I get a copy of the formula) -merged-

mothballed

I am on CSA1 paying 30% plus 10% arrears for two children. Their mother signs on and AFAIK the children do not receive any money from the CSA. My absence from my children was not of choice, it was imposed.

I am a bus driver and live a miserable existence working long and unsociable hours, no car, travel to work by bicycle etc and completely fed up being perpetually skint and completely worn out.

My girlfriend is expecting our first in May 09 and we want to live together. She is a doctor in a local practice and we agree it would be financially better for us if I moved into her house to care for our child and she returns to work after maternity leave.

This means I will no income of my own and my girlfriend will be the sole income earner. What's the CSA position this arrangement?

Caz3121

I would guess you would get a nil assessment for the ongoing maintenance but the arrears would not go away and will still be due.

no doubt someone will be along with an accurate answer.

marksoton

You need to be careful. The mother could claim you are delibratley depriving yourself of income.

It is also worth noting the arrears will not disappear.

mothballed

I know about the arrears and they are aren't much. My girlfriend says she will pay them off at £10 a week. She doesnt want to pay CSA on her own income for my children from my previous marriage.

kelloggs36

your ex will be getting some of the money you pay - she will then get nothing which is hardly fair as you are the children's father after all. You may find that the CSA take legal action to recover the debt from you if you have no job.

Sensemaya

mothballed wrote: »

I am on CSA1 paying 30% plus 10% arrears for two children. Their mother signs on and AFAIK the children do not receive any money from the CSA. My absence from my children was not of choice, it was imposed.

I am a bus driver and live a miserable existence working long and unsociable hours, no car, travel to work by bicycle etc and completely fed up being perpetually skint and completely worn out....BUT..you go on to say...My girlfriend is expecting our first in May 09 and we want to live together. She is a doctor in a local practice and we agree it would be financially better for us if I moved into her house to care for our child and she returns to work after maternity leave.

This means I will no income of my own and my girlfriend will be the sole income earner. What's the CSA position this arrangement?

You will become a house husband...inform the CSA of this and you will be re-assessed as nil. Get her to pay off the arrears in one lump sum. Then you can forget about it. I'm sure she can afford it given that she is a GP.

I'm not judging you, but you will have to trust your girlfriend 100%. Think about the long term implications of your decision...including your children from the previous relationship, who are as just as important as your unborn child.

rachfriar78

I was always under the impression if you were on CSA1 the NRPP's wages were taken into the equation. I would definitely look into it more. As for the exisiting children they still need supporting just like the expected child will do. My ex partner quit his job (genuine reasons) but rather than his children go without I took over maintenance payments as I know what it is like on the receiving end. Would you partner be willing to pay for them?

mothballed

kelloggs36 wrote: »

your ex will be getting some of the money you pay - she will then get nothing which is hardly fair as you are the children's father after all. You may find that the CSA take legal action to recover the debt from you if you have no job.

I don't think its fair for any father to be forcibly separated from his children then made to live in severe poverty because the CSA thinks its being fair.

mothballed

Sensemaya wrote: »

You will become a house husband...inform the CSA of this and you will be re-assessed as nil. Get her to pay off the arrears in one lump sum. Then you can forget about it. I'm sure she can afford it given that she is a GP.

I was intending paying off the arrears with my unused annual leave and deposit refund on my flat. My girlfriends financial adviser suggests putting the money into a bond and use the interest to pay the CSA arrears in instalments. This leaves me the capital intact.

mothballed

rachfriar78 wrote: »

I was always under the impression if you were on CSA1 the NRPP's wages were taken into the equation.

My thoughts were the same. Can anyone tell me if my girlfriends sole income can be taxed by the CSA for my children?

Would you partner be willing to pay for them?

I'm afraid not, that is her prerogrative - unless there is a law that says otherwise.

mothballed

Im on CSA1 paying 30% for two children and I would prefer to be on CSA2 because the maximum is 20%.

If I was sacked at work and claimed Jobseekers allowance for 13 weeks or more then started work again. Would the CSA1 assessment close and a new assessment on CSA2 rules be made when I return to work?