csa or not ?

ccer

Morning !!!
Need some advice on my situation.
I have recently separated from my partner of 10 years, mainly due to his gambling addiction (that he doesn't have!) We have 4 gorgeous children together. I am now a single parent living on benefits. He has moved in with friends.
The last year we were together i had a couple of credit cards - both in my name.
Money was extremely tight so we used the cards for everyday things, weekly shop,petrol etc I had to cut up the cards before we got too deeply into debt. I have been looking on here for 0% deals to transfer to but because I am on benefits it doesn't look like I will get one.
Anyway he agreed to pay one and I the other. He is paying although it is the bear minimum so once interest is added each month it works out to about £7 being paid off ! Not too much of a problem so long as he pays.

Now my concern is towards him paying maintenance for our kids. I have told him that if I were to go through the csa I would be entitled to 25% of his take home. I am not asking for that much ( I know he finds it hard to manage his money ) I'm just letting him know how much I could get. How much would be a reasonable amount for him to pay ?
Should I or would the csa take into consideration his outgoings ?
If he pays maintenance I am worried he wont pay the card money and that is his debt too !
All a bit of a mess at the mo not sure what to do !!!!!!

pinkpig08

Do you know how much 25% of his take home would be? The CSA wouldn't consider any of his outgoings, but if he paid you the amount they assessed at then he wouldn't be obliged to contribute anything else ie; the credit card. That would then be your responsibility. Although there would be nothing to stop you using some of the maintenance money to pay off the card - it would be yours to spend how you see fit.

ccer

25 % would be around £50 a week. He doesn't earn a lot which is why I am giving him the chance to work out how much he can pay.
So annoyed with myself for using the cards in my name and not getting joint ones !!

squif33

Child maintance options are good to talk to- the number is on thier website. They are independent and can talk you through the options, including the option of a private agreement which is what I did with my ex (Similar situation to yours- he was in a lot of debt and I prefferred that he paid what he could afford so that he could afford things like petrol to keep contact with our son, than to take him to the CSA where he could end up in worse debt which is bad for everyone involved).

Good luck! Claire