What do we do?

ellywellywoo

Had a phone call today from the csa claiming my husband owes £18,500 in arrears to the csa for unpaid maintenance for his son.

His son is now 23 years old. Back in 2005 the csa tried contacted us and said my husband owed them £25,000. We argued this and they eventually said that they were going to pass the monies to a debt collection agency.

We were contacted by an agency and told them that we disputed the amount and then heard nothing from back.

Now this today. The reason for disputing this originally was that my husband (we were not married then) had his son 3-4 nights per week and gave his partner regular money although this was never officially recorded.

We are unsure what to do about this. It was such a long time ago and my husband cannot remember all the conversations he had with them.

Please can you advise what route we can go down. They are sending us an official letter next week and my husband has asked for a complete breakdown on how they have come to this figure.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

DUTR

If there was a case open and he was not paying via the preferred means, then the amount more than likely stands.
I always get confused why guys want to give their ex's cash in the hand (do they forget the reasons they became ex's?)

Didismump

Its a hard lesson to learn..but NEVER give anyone ANY money without proof/record..:(
Never TALK on the phone to the CSA, as they DO lose conversations (conveniently)..and you will never get the same answers from anyone there....
Always put EVERYTHING in writing..and ALWAYS send any letters via RECORDED delivery ( so that it HAS to be signed for by someone) as they are VERY good at losing mail IF it is not in their favour ( and even if it is in their favour..as it seems in our case)...
NEVER think it has (your case) been dropped (it won't be)...and always keep one step ahead (IF possible)..
IF you feel you HAVE to talk to anyone at the CSA..log all times/dates and the persons name you talk to...but ALWAYS best to put everything in writing afterwards anyway..as they WILL lose the conversation IF it suits...:(
Wait for the breakdown of the arrears..but asap (Monday) request your OH Data Protection File from the Agency..this costs £10 ( made payable to the CSA) and you need to write to the following address:-
Data Protection Unit
CSA
Room BP6102,
DWP Benton Park View,
Longbenton,
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
NE98 1YX
The following template is one I was given for the same, and is worded exactly as is required....

Your OH D.O.B- **/**/****
His Nat.Ins No -*********
CSA Ref No/Case No- ************

Dear Sir or Madam,
Please send me the information to which I am entitled to under Section 7 (1) of the Data Protection Act 1998. I request all computer and clerical records to which I am entitled, and would ask that the notepad sections of the computer files are dated.
If you need further information from me ,or a fee please let me know as soon as possible. I have enclosed a (postal order/cheque (state whichever you send)) for £10 which I have been advised is required for the processing of these files.
If you do not normally handle these requests for your organisation, please pass this letter to your Data Protection Officer or another appropriate official.
Yours faithfully,
**** ********* (your OH name)

(Remember to put your OH name/address on the letter and the date you write it..also DO write his CSA Ref No on the back of either the cheque OR postal order IF possible so that they cannot say they have not received it...)
ALWAYS send everything by Recorded Delivery...

I have learned hard by getting my fingers burnt,and am STILL going through it with VERY sore fingers.
You are not alone..there are many here who will help you..especially Kelloggs 36 & bdt1..:)

GOOD LUCK...:)

bdt1

Prepare yourself for the long haul.

CSA will now go ahead and get a Liability Order for this amount whether it is correct or not - they care not a jot!

You cannot appeal arrears, but only a decision/assessment creating the arrears.

After the Liability Order, CSA will get a CCJ and a charge on your home (if you own or are joint owners), they will also send bailiffs to your home - not trying to scare you be just be prepared for this course of action - it will happen - we know from experience.

Didi is correct, follow her advice, and we are here if you need more help - which you will! Good luck

bdt1

Sorry also meant to add, it may be worth putting a letter in writing asking the CSA if there are any Interim Maintenance Assessments i place - as these often carry penalties meaning the CS amounts are higher than a proper Full Maintenance Assessment.

Ask CSA if there are any IMA's in place and if so what specific information they require to convert these to FMA's. If this is the case, they will/should write back telling you what missing info they are after, you provide it and they recalculate the assessment. But, when was your last assessment, and are you sure it is correct!