When do I make the last child maintenance payment?? help

HJS1234

 My daughter (that I pay CM to my ex wife on the 30th of the month)) has now  completed her education at college the end of March(exams done and left) she’s 18 and looking to go to Uni when she can. Am I correct that my last payment from me will be 30th May in line with child benefit stopping at the same time ?I have read that CM stops when child benefit stops which will be 31st May as she has stopped education in March April or May is this correct? My ex wife seems to think I should pay until September? Many thanks in advance

Comms69

Are you paying voluntarily? IE informal basis agreed between yourselves?

HJS1234

Yes it’s a voluntary agreement 

Comms69

HJS1234 said:

Yes it’s a voluntary agreement 

Then the final date is whatever you choose. If she disagrees she can go to CMS. Frankly for the sake of a few months i cant see the point. 

- obviously if you want to maintain a good relationship discuss it. But voluntary agreements require boths parties to agree. if you dont, it just ends.

HJS1234

many thanks , trouble is she is an absolute looney and will make my life hell - we haven’t communicated in any way for 8 months , I just wanted solid evidence/ experience that I’m correct legally before I fire off a text 

Comms69

Here’s the deal. Legally all she can do is claim. Currently, legally, you are not obliged to pay a penny. 

Why even reply? 

Worst case- and this is absolutely worst case- she opens a claim and CMS say you must pay until X. 

Now X is slightly variable depending on certain factors - http://www.separateddads.co.uk/what-age-do-child-maintenance-payments-stop.html

but it’s generally held to be the end of the school year when they turn 18. 

newbutold

If you pay through the CMS, you pay until 4th September. Child benefit will not stop until 4th September too.

HJS1234

Hi thanks for that, I have a private arrangement set up so I take it the end of August will be the last payment not the end of this month? The child benefit document on HMRC website seems to say that if they finish and end education in March April or may child benefit stops 31st May its so confusing ?