csa or mediation?

missymoo2_2

Hi, I am a NRP and my ex has just informed me that a the CSA will soon be in touch for my 2 children. We have had an informal arrangement for the past 2 years but due to a new partner getting involved on his side things have changed dramatically. My days with the children have been cut from 3 a week to 3 a fortnight. I've had demands for money left right and centre which I have refused. Ill happily pay for my kids but I wont be giving lump sums out when demanded!

My question is can my ex go to the CSA without having mediation first? Do I have to hand over a lump sum per month or can I pay for things I know will benefit the children and not my ex as I refuse to pay for their nights out and holidays.....

Also I am on a zero hours contract in my main job and also self employed as second employment. how will this work out as my wage varies per month?

DUTR

To answer your question, yes either parent can approach the CS, no mediation necessary.
If you are being bullied then best go via the CSA, the past 2 months wages will be the basis for the assesment (if you wish to contribute anymore than that , then that is your choice).
Good Luck.

justontime

You will be assessed to pay a proportion of your weekly income for child support depending on the number of children you have. I am not sure if you will be on CSA2 or 3. If it is CSA 3 it will be based on your gross income. When CSA contact you be truthful, if your employed hours fluctuate (or if they have recently changed significantly) send them several months worth of consecutive pay slips so that they can work out an average. As far as your self employed income is concerned they will want to see your most recent tax return. If you have only started the self employed work recently write to them to explain why you can't provide what they are asking for. If you are not getting a regular incom from your self employed work give them as much detail and evidence as you possibly can.

As soon as you hear from CSA stop paying your ex directly and make a payment arrangement via CSA otherwise you could end up paying twice as the PWC may deny that you paid any child support or claim that the money was for something else. The PWC may find that they were better off with a private arrangement, but one way or other you should be paying a monthly lump sum. As far as the reduced contact is concerned you need to go to court to challenge that as soon as possible. It can be very difficult when the NRP has a new relationship and the new person makes things difficult re contact, but please try to keep things as calm and friendly as you can for the sake of your children. Do everything you possibly can to make things work. There are many here who could tell you very sad stories about relationships becoming so hostile that the NRP loses any meaningful role in their children's lives, don't let that happen to you. Good luck.

PreludeForTimeFeelers

Your case will be on the 2012 scheme, as it's a new case with two or more children.

The CSA system will automatically look at your most recent income according to HMRC.

Alpine

PreludeForTimeFeelers wrote: »

Your case will be on the 2012 scheme, as it's a new case with two or more children.

The CSA system will automatically look at your most recent income according to HMRC.

Pension contributions still need to be removed from your gross weekly income in order for the CSA to make an accurate assessment. HMRC will only provide your before tax income.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

Yes, the Child Maintenance Service (used to be called the Child Support Agency) can approach you and no you don't need to have gone to mediation first.

Hope that helps.

missymoo2_2

Thank you, I received the paper work this morning. Nit very happy as it seems PWC has neglected to tell them I see the children overnight often and have another child at home. I have offered PWC an informal arrangement instead that I pay the suggested amount but distribute it into savings accounts for the children and provide a sum each month equal to the csa suggestion. This has been denied due to the fact the claim is not about money for the children but extra money for my ex and his gf to enjoy

Grrrrrrrrrr

cte1111

Not sure why you think paying into children's savings accounts is appropriate? The money is intended to pay for their day to day expenses, including keeping a roof over their heads, not to provide spends for them in the future.

Make sure you tell the CSA the information that has been omitted, e.g. the number of nights you have them and the other child in your household. They should then adjust the figure to reflect these circumstances.

justontime

For your own sake you really need to change the way you think. The amount that the CSA calculate has to be paid to the PWC for day to day expenses for your children, housing, heat, light, food, clothes etc. You have no control whatsoever over how the PWC chooses to spend that money. Whatever you think about the PWC you need to put your feelings aside and do everything possible to keep things as amicable as possible for the sake of your children. I'm a NRPP, I'm not trying to be critical but I know from bitter experience how easy it is for the relationship between the two parents to breakdown completely, then everything becomes a battle and before you know it you are struggling to maintain any sort of meaningful contact with your children.