CSA help and advise needed

guidofawkes_2

Hi, i'm currently in need of a bit of advice. Recently divorced father of 2, Paying a cash maintenance to my ex wife who is constantly hounding me for extra money for things for the children(which I help out where I can!)
She is now threatening me with CSA, but as far as i can see I would be better off and she would actually recieve Less money per month!

Does CSA take in to account my new partners wage? or solely mine?(I am living with her in her house.)

My wages changes considerably week to week as overtime and Stand-by rates come and go! (£400 one week and maybe £1000 the next!) so how can CSA work this out?

Can I go to CSA myself?

At present my ex is insisting that I pay her cash every week. Can I enforce that I pay her by direct debit/ standing Order.

Cheers for any advise you give.

AnxiousMum

DON'T EVER PAY CHILD SUPPORT AS A CASH PAYMENT!!!!! You never have any proof of having paid the amount, and can come back to haunt you later on, particularly if you do it while the CSA is opening a case.

If you would be better off on CSA - then offer her the CSA rate (based on your income alone, but possibly could take into account any child tax credits that you or your new partner have coming in as well - others can advise you on that!). Ask her for bank details that you can set up a standing order for - and make sure that your payments are marked 'child maintenace October 2010 (or current month) for GUIDEOFHAWKES JUNIOR - each month/week that you pay, make sure that the date mentioned covers the date you are paying for.

If you decide to go through CSA, be aware that dependent upon the kind of PWC that this person is, they may try to make contact difficult - unfortunately alot of NRP's feel that they don't have to pay child support if they dont' see their child, and in reverse, many PWC's feel they can cut off contact if they're not getting what they want financially. The two are not related, but can cause alot of grief and upset when parents let it.

If she is asking you for extra money for things like winter jacket, boots etc.......and even though this is covered in your support payments - if you feel like contributing more - then take your child out for the day and let them see you providing for them - it's good for both of you That way you know that the 'extra' money is actually going on your child as well.