Child Maintenance - Partner Wants CSA To Collect

Dominic1234

Good evening,

Have recently split up with my partner, we have 3 children together.

We have gone through the CSA calculator online to calculate how much maintenance I will pay.

She is saying that she wants to go through the CSA to collect the payments, I am not disputing the figures and have said the money will be in her account on the 1st of the month, every month.

If she goes through the CSA they put an extra 20% on top of what im paying, thats an extra £120 every month.

Surely she can't just do this? If i miss a payment then yes i can understand the CSA getting involved but to cost me an extra £1440 a year for them collecting rather then me sending direct to her is ridiculous, surely?

Any information on this wuld be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks

Alter_ego

Offer £60 over CSA amount

stephlou

When you are contacted Child Maintenace will ask if you want to pay Maintenace Direct or Collection through the Child Maintenance Service. Once you say you want to pay Maintenance Direct you will be given that. However if you fail to pay then the ex partner can then ask for the CMS to collect which as you know will incur charges. Ensure that you make payments from your bank account and mark them as Child Maintenance .You don't have to wait for CMS to contact you you can start making payments now which will show good faith to your ex 

ZaSa1418

When the CMS ask you how you want to pay tell them you wish to pay direct. Set up a standing order and mark it as Child Maintenance. 
Does your ex realise that if the CMS collect not only do you pay a percentage more the ex also gets a percentage deducted so will get less also?

Clearchem

In short no. She cannot. As other replies say choose direct pay when they contact you. Showing good faith to your ex depends on whether she is the sort of person where that might count for something. Otherwise you could wait and have the money for you children yourself until the payment schedule arrives. Don't forget variations to ensure your payments are fair and you have enough to support your kids when with you.