child maintenence, can it be back dated

bazzaffc

im writing this on behalf of a friend. her story is this.
she has 2 children by different fathers. neither of the dads has ever given her a penny in maintenece. they do have contact with the children, one sees is son every weekend and the other about once a year. my friend is struggling financially and has suffered a mental breakdown caused mainly through the continuos struggle to make ends meet.
dad no1 is on benefits and has been for about 15 years but works every evening cash in hand.
dad no2 is quite wealthy,good job, big house flash car, nice holidays.
she has been trying to get regular payments from the 2 dads but they refuse. she hasnt tried to purse it through the courts because she hasnt got the money to pay for solicitors. she did contact the CSA some time ago and they ordered them both to pay x amount but the money never arrived and the CSA never really pursued it.
if i can get her to go legal is she entitled to back dated payments from them both, im hoping to be able to pay the solicitors bills if she agrees or is she entitled to legal aid?
thank you for taking time to read this. please feel free to ask any questions and i'll be happy to answer as best i can.
regards

beanielou

You have posted this in the DFW diaries section which is why you havent had a response.
I dont know the answer to your question but why dont you contact your local CAB or welfare rights group as they should be able to advise you.

bazzaffc

thanks B.
regards
Baz