Child maintenance payments once child leaves college

_welshy_

What actual date does a father stop paying child maintenance? My daughter is 18 and hopes to go to University this September. I believe that maintenance is paid under the same criteria as child benefit, therefore it is paid until the 1st Monday in September.
My Ex Husband disagrees and paid his last payment on the 1st June this year. This is not via the CSA.
Do I have to take him to court or do I go via the CSA?

Thanks in advance

carlislelass

Going back years so no CSA involved, my ex stopped paying mainenance when son left senior school. That was part of the court order so had already been agreed

nadineclaire

If your daughter is off to university in September then I wouldn't see the point going via csa because it takes a while to set it up anyway. He should have paid up until your child benefit stops which is September.

_welshy_

No court order as this was an agreement between us. I have no option but to involve the CSA as I don't think he should get away with paying 2 months money that we are entitled to! My only other option would be a solicitor which is obviously going to cost money so won't be worth it. If he gets a letter from the CSA he may just pay up anyway.

Dunroamin

How much does he pay per month? It really doesn't seem worth the hassle.

_welshy_

£160, so he owes £320 which I think is well worth the hassle. Why should he get away with it?

kevin137

It would go from them notifying him, so by the time you make your application, then they would have to confirm his detils, and write to him. Another week.

Then the date they write him would be the effective date, so you may get 3 weeks, more likely 2 at some stage in the future.

But for all the grief i would just not bother, hard i know, but it will not get you anywhere..

_welshy_

I know what you're saying but maybe, just maybe there will be a tiny shred of decency inside him that will say Yes she's my daughter and I will do the right thing! I live in hope.

Thanks anyway everyone

clearingout

it's too late. you've lost July now as the CSA will only backdate to the date that you notify them and you'll be very, very lucky for them to work things out so you get the August payment.

As a mum with 3 young children who pays no maintenance and sees a long road ahead with nothing at all, I agree he shouldn't get away with it but if you've got this far without problems, you need to drop it and move on.

PreludeForTimeFeelers

If you call them to put in an application today then I'd guess the initial effect date would be some time next week. That'd be about a month until the chb stops. I'd not discourage you from opening a case, however I'd just advise caution as it may antagonise him and further damage the strained relationship you've got with him. Ultimately it's down to you, but if you're going to do it then do it quickly.

Mojisola

_welshy_ wrote: »

I know what you're saying but maybe, just maybe there will be a tiny shred of decency inside him that will say Yes she's my daughter and I will do the right thing! I live in hope.

Not from the sound of your posts. You know he won't pay unless forced - you can't make him be "good" but you can try to punish him.

Let go of your anger - it won't be harming him, only you.

Let his daughter talk to him about uni and see if he will contribute something to her directly.