Child now living with NRP - What happens now?

slscarborough

My ex husband has never paid maintenance since we split when our son was 7 (he is now 15). Despite being assessed byt the csa several times I have never received a penny. The CSA are currently in the process of sending court balliffs out to obtain the money.

Our son has decided that he wants to move in with his father and at 15 I felt it was a choice he was old enough to make. Just wondered what what happen if he now put a claim in with the csa. Surely they would not take money from me when I am owed thousands of pounds of arrears?

DUTR

Sadly it does not work like that, both cases are seperate.
However you may find he does not put in a claim.

slscarborough

I am not sure he would have a nerve to put in a claim but was preparing myself in case he does. Mind you seeing that in 8 years they havent managed to get him to pay I am not worried too much.

Soubrette

This is my personal opinion but I would be the better parent and pay maintenance.

I think it is important to show children that we are still responsible parents even if we don't live with them.

However, in view of the fact that you have had to bear the brunt of the expense of your son up until now I would fully understand if you didn't want to do this, the CSA will not I'm afraid and if your ex goes to them it will be a separate case to him and you will be assessed as normal. Your maintenance will not be offset from what he owes you.

slscarborough

I have just checked the csa payment calculator - however am unsure if I need to include my partners income too. I am very torn when it comes to paying maintenance as I doubt my son will see the benefit of this money. Am I also right in thinking that maintenance will be paid until 19 if he stays on at school?

slscarborough

Also can someone advise whether child tax credits and child benefit are also counted as income? Just trying to prepare myself for the worst and I know if my ex goes down this route I am going to find any payment extremely difficult.

Mojisola

Ideally, CSA should be able to deduct any payments you should be giving him from the money he owes you! It's a shame they don't work like that.

Soubrette

slscarborough wrote: »

I have just checked the csa payment calculator - however am unsure if I need to include my partners income too. I am very torn when it comes to paying maintenance as I doubt my son will see the benefit of this money. Am I also right in thinking that maintenance will be paid until 19 if he stays on at school?

No you don't have to include your partner's income but I have a horrible feeling that child tax credit and benefit do count as family income. Ring the CSA and ask, you don't have to give a name.

If he stays on at school then yes, subject to certain courses, you may have to continue paying.

However the PWC, like yourself when you were the PWC, will have expenses to do with your son so your son will benefit because the household income of the new PWC will be higher. The new PWC will, just as you had to, provide food, clothing and shelter and so it is only right and proper that you share in those costs, of course your situation is muddied because you had to unfairly pay for all those costs yourself.

DUTR

slscarborough wrote: »

I have just checked the csa payment calculator - however am unsure if I need to include my partners income too. I am very torn when it comes to paying maintenance as I doubt my son will see the benefit of this money. Am I also right in thinking that maintenance will be paid until 19 if he stays on at school?

slscarborough wrote: »

Also can someone advise whether child tax credits and child benefit are also counted as income? Just trying to prepare myself for the worst and I know if my ex goes down this route I am going to find any payment extremely difficult.

Yes, yes and yes, at least you are doing right by preparing for the worst anything less is a bonus.
Then again, you could play the sytem and avoid paying for as long as possible

(the last bit put in for the amusment of the forum bullies) :rotfl:

PS in the note above, others have asked if the NRPs partners income should be included and the answers from seasoned visitors was YES, so it does seem the answer depends on which side of the fence one sits

slscarborough

If only!! I have just looked at the csa calculator and I am stressing about how I would be able to afford the payments. I have only just managed to get myself out of debt.

DUTR

slscarborough wrote: »

If only!! I have just looked at the csa calculator and I am stressing about how I would be able to afford the payments. I have only just managed to get myself out of debt.

At least you have some incling of how some NRPs feel (not me) .;)