Child Maintenance (CSA) questions (merged)

kelloggs36

I hope it works out for you Shaunc196. Just a quick q though? How is she managing to avoid the CSA if she is on Income Support?

looby75

Can anyone tell me how you get the CSA to do a review of your ex's payments if you are on benefits?

I've just discovered my ex has had a big payrise in the last 12 months but he is still paying the same amount to the csa as he was when we first split up 3 years ago. I know I won't see a penny of anything extra he pays until I get a job but I do think it's really unfair that he has been paying less for the kids than he should be while I'm sat here with all the responsibility of raising them etc. (or maybe I'm just being a hormonal b!tch today) From what I know the csa calculator says he's paying about £100 a month less than he should be on his new wage.

If I can get them to review, does anyone think I should or is that just being b!tchy for the sake of it? I suppose when push comes to shove I'm still p'eed off with the fact he did a bunk and left me on my own with the kids while he can carry on furthering his career and lifestyle as he wants.

kelloggs36

Just phone them and ask them to do a review as it hasn't been done for 3 years and you know he has had a payrise. It should be done anyway so they can't refuse. Anyway, who is to say that your circumstances won't change whereby you will get a job and then all the money he should pay is yours?

looby75

Thanks Kelloggs, I didn't know if I could do it as I am on IS, last time I spoke to them when we first split up they told me they couldn't deal with me directly because all payments would got to the DPW.

I have to phone them tomorrow to change my bank details so I'll ask them about it then.

kelloggs36

Of course they can deal with you direct, you are the PWC. Just because the money doesn't go to you doesn't negate your status.

mutley74

My ex has handed residency of our kid back to me as she did not want him anymore. I was paying money to her via CSA. He now lives with me full time and matter goes to court to hopefully give me full residence status in 2months time.

Should I just keeping paying my CSA money to her or can I claim CSA money from the mother now? If so how do I tell CSA about the change and get them to claim from her?
(my only concern is that the mother will probably change her mind and want kid back if she learns she has to pay CSA money).

hobo28

atpug wrote:

My ex has handed residency of our kid back to me as she did not want him anymore. I was paying money to her via CSA. He now lives with me full time and matter goes to court to hopefully give me full residence status in 2months time.

Should I just keeping paying my CSA money to her or can I claim CSA money from the mother now? If so how do I tell CSA about the change and get them to claim from her?
(my only concern is that the mother will probably change her mind and want kid back if she learns she has to pay CSA money).

Hmmm, tough one. Technically of course she should now be paying you.

Like you say though, if you think she could change her mind once she realises the money will stop then she could change her mind and lead to a fight. Its not just the CSA either, its the tax credits too she will lose out on and the child benefit of course.

I suppose it depends on how much it is and if you can afford to lose 2 months worth of money for the sake of an easy life. Its still a risk as she could easily wake up tomorrow and change her mind regardless.

Are you paying via CSA or directly? Could you delay things by claiming that you've paid and its the CSA who've messed up? Could be a risky strategy though.

Its your son I feel sorry for. How old is he? I wonder how he feels knowing his mother doesn't want him anymore?

mutley74

Child is 5. Strange as last year we had a bitter custody battle so I could see child again. Looks like all the money paid for solicitors, court hearings etc all gone to avail. I am paying her via CSA. Amount is nominal and does not effect my living standard for now. But having to look after a young child full time is still a extra output from my expenses. I have applied for his child benefit and asked for a tax credits claim form too.

Just wondering is it best to wait before I get legal confirmation of his residence status with me before telling CSA?

Can she change her mind to ask for a child back? I mean child has had to move location in the UK and thus new school etc.

I am sure she basically waited till she got the proceeds from the house sale (which went in her favour 70/30 as she had the child in her care) then now does not want him anymore i.e. she only wanted him for the money at that time.

Scarlett1

atpug wrote:

Child is 5. Strange as last year we had a bitter custody battle so I could see child again. Looks like all the money paid for solicitors, court hearings etc all gone to avail. I am paying her via CSA. Amount is nominal and does not effect my living standard for now. But having to look after a young child full time is still a extra output from my expenses. I have applied for his child benefit and asked for a tax credits claim form too.

Just wondering is it best to wait before I get legal confirmation of his residence status with me before telling CSA?

Can she change her mind to ask for a child back? I mean child has had to move location in the UK and thus new school etc.

I am sure she basically waited till she got the proceeds from the house sale (which went in her favour 70/30 as she had the child in her care) then now does not want him anymore i.e. she only wanted him for the money at that time.

I would assume the CSA would want confirmation in writing that your son will be living with you, so could you wait until you got this ?

I dont know if there is anything you could do regarding the house sale proceeds, maybe you could go back to your solicitor and ask for it to be reviewed

debtfreeplease_3

Hi all,

Oh and i split up last Aug and since he has gone he has paid his share of £300 per month for his 3 kids, only hiccups ive had with him is that he pays when he wants which is around the beginning of month but he pays it into my account and not by standing order, so he has my bank details at all times! I am annoyed at this but there is no getting through to him.

My problem this weekend he had the kids all weekend (Friday through to Sunday afternoon) when the kids come back he had bought them new clothes, all very nice we may think, Ds has told me this morning that he bought his girlfriends 3 kids new clothes too, All ok at this point until i check my bank account and he has only payed me £200. QUestion is is he in his right to do this or not? Should i just go through CSA to make sure i get the right money owed each month? I think he is changing his job soon to and whichever his new job is he would probably still pay me the same amount even though he chance to get pay rise.
The clothes that he did buy has not come to £100. so what shall i do now say nothing or go to csa?

Thanks all