CSA, help for a father please

mrs-d_3

Should CSA take into account debts payments that a father has each month? They just told him that his pay might go up as his income has slightly increased. The thing is that since his last "assesment" we got married, have two children, I don't work anymore and we have large debts. He has joint custody with his wife, sees his child often (all expenses when seeing her are paid for by him), stays with us and overall has great relationship with his child.
If they increase his payments we will seriously strugle and it will mean we wont be able to see his daughter as much which will be hearbreaking. What can we do?

mrs-d_3

Anyone??
Searching the net I just came across a site called child support advice. Has anyone dealt with them, are they good?

Many, many thanks.

DUTR

Sadly you have to just get used to it, they have targets to meet, and if that means the nrp living in the gutter then so it be, current debts are in some senses rightly ignored, I could soon re-mortgage etc to reduce my liability if that should count. It looks like a tightening of the belt here and there is the plan for 2010

mrs-d_3

Thanks DUTR. It's just so frustrating for fathers who care but don't seem to receive any help from CSA. Everything his ex says is a gospel, but whatever he says he needs to keep recods of and even then they don't believe it!!

Does anyone have any experience with Child support advice website??

karenx

I dont want to sound nasty but why should the csa take into account debts that you have probably brought on yourself, ie car loans etc etc. If that was the case then Im sure every NRP who isnt willing to pay alot for their child would go out and get an expensive car, loans for holidays etc etc. Its your choice to take out loans to pay for things you cant afford to buy outright.
CSA's policy is to take a certain % of NRP income in everycase, why should it be one % for one NRP and a different for another.

If you will be struggling you could take on a part time job to help with things, or post up a SOA on here and you can see where you can cut down on things to save you money.
I really dont want that to sound nasty, but its the way the CSA think

Donedoingdebt

Unfortunately, the CSA will not take your OH's debts into account when calculating payments. The only allowance he may possibly receive is a mileage allowance if he has far to travel to meet his children. Even then, the CSA make it as difficult as possible & only allow "as the crow flies" mileage instead of genuine mileage.

By the sounds of things, your situation has changed quite a bit in your favour since his last assessment. Having had 2 children, he would be given an allowance of 20% off his salary before the assessment is calculated.

Also, he should receive an allowance of one seventh off the assessment figure for each overnight stay his children stay with him

Lastly, he does NOT have to voluntarily notify the CSA of any wage increases unless he is asked to do so by them.

You can use the CSA's own online assessment calculator to find out which option may be better for you; ie, keeping quiet about the wage increase but having no allowance for your children or declaring the wage increase & receiving the 20% allowance for the children.

You should find it here: https://secureonline.dwp.gov.uk/csa/v2/en/calculate-maintenance.asp

mrs-d_3

Thanks Karenx I can see your point. It is debt we brought onto ourself. We are just worried we wont be able to afford to see her as often, or be able to pay off the debts. I'm looking to do some part time work but it's difficult as we have 2 small children and my OH doesn't have set rotas.

Thank you Donedoingdebt just had a look at the link. It does help that we have two children. Do you know if I start working does that get taken into account?

Donedoingdebt

Your wages are not taken into account, only tax credits, under some circumstances, that are awarded to you. Others on here will know more about that.

bdt1

No your wage isn't taken into account, but when requested if you don't supply it you will be penalised, and they will calculate a probably higher amount, and associated arrears, sothink carefully, others are best to advise

kelloggs36

It depends on whether you are on CS2 or CS1 - how old is the case?

mrs-d_3

Sorry don't know what CS1 or CS2 are. Case is 10yrs old.