Child Support query - CSA?

chugalug

Briefly my ex has been paying maintenance of £173 pcm - we agreed this between us. He earns £23000, I've never asked him for an increase in the 8 years we've been separated.

I get a text message from him today stating he's decided to reduce my maintenance by 50% from next month as he thinks I have too much money???

DS is nearly 12 and I home educate him. I'm a full time student and claim no benefits. I had contact with the CSA over my older 2 children who have now left home but my first ex still owes thousands of pounds - as far as I can see I'll never get this. I'm willing to let that go but hoped to never have to resort to this agency again.

My question is - do I initiate a claim? I thought we had an agreement and I don't want to stir up trouble but obviously my ex thinks differently. (there were DV issues which I don't want to go into) My thoughts are that he is being spiteful and trying to control things in my household. Perhaps he's trying to force me to give up University - I don't know.

BUT will the CSA be any good? They don't appear to have improved over the years - are there any other options for me? I have a nasty feeling there aren't!! Can anyone help??

kelloggs36

Well, TBH it looks like he is taking the pi**. On his salary, he should be paying you just over 200 quid per month, although this would be less if he has children in his new household, or has to pay into a pension scheme. You can ring the CSA helpline to get a claim pack. If he is PAYE then they can attach a DEO on him, thus he won't see the money as it is taken from his wages. He will be given the option of direct debit or DEO.

I would point out to him that you have an agreement and that if he decides to break it, then you will go to the CSA and he will have to pay more to you - if he wants to take that risk, then he will not change his mind, but if he doesn't, then he will just cough up. YOur income is totally irrelevant in any of this, as the CSA ignore it totally, perhaps you could remind him of this also. The money is for your child, so what he pays you is for that which he seems to be forgetting.

kelloggs36

What are the circumstances regarding the arrears on your old case? Have they decided that it is uncollectable - have you been on their case about it? I would never let it go, as it is your right to have maintenance paid if the other parent is deemed liable to pay it to you.

kelloggs36

They are getting much tougher on enforcement issues these days though, so that is a positive thing. you will never know until you try - but just the threat of it may be enough to spur your ex into paying the full amount again!!

chugalug

TBH, it's probably my fault the CSA haven't chased up my first ex - but after years of hassle, DOE, enforcement action etc I got tired of it. Plus he has another 2 children from his new family and my older 2 are 20 and 21 now. He's never done anything for them and never will. I have reams of paperwork from my battles with the CSA together with pages of telephone notes - if I keep pushing I daresay I'll get somewhere eventually....

With my current ex - he's a single bloke, pays £95pw all in for his accommodation/bills etc and always has money problems even though after maintenance the rest of his earnings are his own. That's not my problem though - I feel like I'm being penalised cos I'm better at managing my money!
Because of the control/DV issues I've never pushed for anything - I just want him to leave me alone to be honest - now it looks like he's pushing me into something I don't want to do.

I think he's hoping he'll get away with it cos he knows how much I've had to battle the CSA in the past. He thinks they're going down the pan and won't catch up with him. Is he right? Will I have to give up on this case aswell?

Its such bl**dy hard work with my studying, home educating and being a single parent generally. Suppose I'll have to add work to that as well.

aMeLia'S~MuMMY

chugalug wrote: »

I think he's hoping he'll get away with it cos he knows how much I've had to battle the CSA in the past. He thinks they're going down the pan and won't catch up with him. Is he right? Will I have to give up on this case aswell?

You won't know unless you try them this time, your case will now be new rules so easier and quicker to calculate ( in theory) ~ just keep on at them, do not give up, you are entitled to money for your child off your ex partner, they have a tougher stance on non~payers ( again in theory) so it might not be as bad as your first time round.

:A

kelloggs36

I agree - whilst you have been burned before, your ex is a much easier target in theory as he can just have a DEO slapped on him, although he could just jack in his job, but then he will be the loser more than you as he won't have any money to live on at all, which I am sure he won't want! Good luck - if you decide to claim, keep us posted!

chugalug

Just a quick update. Gave ex the option of continuing with our agreement or involving the csa - I won't go into his reply. Mainly consisted of all the reasons why I dont deserve £40. He appears to be relying on the fact the CSA are erratic to say the least. Plus he's already called the CSA for advice and knows if he emigrates I'll get nothing!!!! The message this morning, following several last night, is that's its £20 and there's bu**er all I can do about it. So, Monday morning, I'll gear myself up for the CSA battle again. Thanks for all your help guys.

MJMum

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chugalug

When I say I don't claim benefits I mean HB and IS. I have CTC, CB and my student loan and grant. I also work during the summer holidays.

I don't mind you asking - I was really just covering myself for the inevitable 'single parent, won't work, scrounging off ex/state' tirade that generally follows queries about children/money.

Paraniod, Moi???

slscarborough

CSA have got no better than you remember - me and my ex had an agreement of £40.00 a week for our one son. When he started getting irregular with payments I went to the CSA who assessed him at £18.00 a week( he earns £25000 and has no other children ) and i dont even get that as he refuses to pay. i am now up to £5000 in arrears.