Question about a "private" CSA claim

Kath_999

Hi there, my husband is being chased for arrears from the CSA (no on-going liability). He always paid but in cash and it can't be proven, so the ex-wife is saying he never paid and they say he owes £40k plus. The CSA have told us that it is a private claim, as the PWC was never in receipt of benefits. So i guess this means they are persuing it as she has asked them to, rather than on behalf of the government coffers.

Does anyone know if we are able to make an offer of settlement to the PWC via the CSA? Even though we don't think he owes anything we just want this nightmare to end and are willing to settle for a much reduced figure... does anyone know if this is something the CSA will allow if the PWC is agreeable ?

Thanks!

Mr_Green_Genes

The CSA will only do anything like that if the PWC agrees. Since she has done what she's done, is she likely to agree to a reduction?

Kath_999

About 2 years ago we had a letter from CSA saying that she admitted that he had paid most of the time and in fact, instead of £58k he only owed £6k, and we could settle the whole thing for that. We just didn't have the money at the time and couldn't pay. Because we didn't pay the amount is back up to £40k, don't know how they can do that? But she was willing back then so it may be worth a go..... but we can't talk to her it has to be through the CSA to make it all official, we don't want it coming back to bite us on the bum!

You seem to think that it can be done if she is agreeable, so I think we might write to the CSA and offer a settlement... do you think that's the best way to go?

Thanks

Mr_Green_Genes

From your story about £58k, going down to £6k and then up again to £40k, I infer that they don't have a clue what they're talking about (no surprise there then).

So, the first thing you need to establish is whether or not the arrears are correct (clue, they almost certainly aren't). You need to appeal the level and ask for a complete breakdown that you can check properly against any assessment that was done before you approach them for a negotiated settlement.

Don't use the phone, that will lead you into big trouble, keep everything in writing. They prefer the phone, it enables them to lie and get away with it. Make sure your first letter is headed "Appeal" in big letters so they can't miss it.