The Effects of Coronavirus on CSA Payments

Barnesy01

Hi, not sure if I'm in the right place for this but here goes.  I have one child who has just finished full time education due to the Coronavirus pandemic.  All my payments are up to date and I'm not trying to duck out of any further payments however, I also do not want to overpay if I don't have to.  Both my income and my ex-partner's income is not effected by Coronavirus and my payment arrangement is by direct transfer to her bank account. My understanding is that I am only obliged to pay my ex-wife whilst my son is in full-time education, which is now finished.  My question is: As colleges are now closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak am I within my legal rights to stop paying her?   To clarify, I am happy to continue to do so however, I would like to know whether I have the discretion to stop the payments anytime going forward.  Many thanks for your help.

monkeez

I'm in the same situation and would like to know this as well please.

WYSPECIAL

College may be closed but they are still registered on a course.
If the course was ending this summer then CSA payments will end in September

Comms69

Are you paying voluntarily, or enforced by CMS?

Barnesy01

Hi, I'm paying voluntarily. CSA did once check my income as my ex partner didn't believe I was declaring everything. I ended up paying less. The arrangement then just continued between her and I. Cheers

Comms69

In that case it's between the two of you to decide.

Barnesy01

Thank you, Comms69.  I thought it might be something like that because I can't find anything about it on the internet, however, I acknowledge the circumstances forced upon us with the effects of the virus so wouldn't really expect to see any quick, legal solution.  I like to follow the rules and have no issue providing for my child, as I have done since we split when he was 3.  What sticks in my throat is the (much better than mine) financial position of my ex and her general attitude towards me as a father and a human being.  So, it would just be nice to have a little bit control for a change.  I'll probably pay, I'll just make her work for it.  

Barnesy01

WYSPECIAL said:

College may be closed but they are still registered on a course.
If the course was ending this summer then CSA payments will end in September

Thank you.  I know this, however, circumstances have changed, circumstances that are beyond anyone's control.  Up until 20th March I was quite prepared to pay up.  However, as at that date, the world changed and colleges were closed and exams and courses were cancelled.  My question is, "am I LEGALLY able to stop paying her, if I choose?" I'm not sure that being registered on a course is grounds to enforce the law.  I could be wrong and am happy to abide by whatever that legal advice is.

Comms69

Legally - you are only obliged to pay when the CMS tell you to. 

For the sake of a few months - im in the same mindset as you, id just pay it and be done with it.

newbutold

If you were paying through the CMS, then you’d pay until 4th September, this is also when Child benefit would be paid till.   

onwards&upwards

Are you sure your child isn’t finishing their course online?