Father Pleads Poverty

happybucket

As title, friends ex won't pay anything saying he has no money. runs a business with assets around 50,000. 2 children of primary school age. Other parent long term IB & DLA, also receives CB and CTC. No rent/utilities as they live offgrid.

Can she claim anything from her ex? could he be made to sell something from his business to provide for his children?

DUTR

Running a business does not make one rich, however your friend can lodge a claim and let the system deal with the case.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

She would have to seek legal advice I think.

What does "live offgrid" mean?

happybucket

Thanks, maybe she will now listen to me lol. I know their business never made much money, but I personally think he should cash in someting and offer it up, and wondered if she did apply to the CSA if they would make him do so.

Offgrid is their living with generators and not mains power, solar panels in summer, it's basic but they are happy, my kids love visiting, no tv, sticks to play with etc..

DUTR

happybucket wrote: »

Thanks, maybe she will now listen to me lol. I know their business never made much money, but I personally think he should cash in someting and offer it up, and wondered if she did apply to the CSA if they would make him do so.

Offgrid is their living with generators and not mains power, solar panels in summer, it's basic but they are happy, my kids love visiting, no tv, sticks to play with etc..

Sadly the rules are not on what you think , there will be many ideas on what contribution should be, the csa work on assesable income.

clearingout

there is little logical point in forcing someone to sell part or all of their buisness to pay child- how would they continue to generate income for their own needs let alone those of the children? Unfortunately, the self employed are difficult to get maintenance from if they don't want to pay - the laws around self employment, limited companies, being a director and child maintenance just don't quite 'fit'. However, that doesn't mean that your friend shouldn't make a claim through the CSA and I would advise she does if her ex refuses to discuss maintenance. Many will comply with the CSA if they become involved which will result in maintenance where it's needed.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

New CSA rules mean the self employed are assessed on gross income now, I THINK it's been legislated in parliament now but not entirely sure, your friend needs to check.