I've heard a lot recently about changes to CSA and how child maintenance is handled and I can't find any clear information anywhere. It looks like current cases will gradually be closed, and then if parents still want to use the service, then can open a new case. Here they would have to pay £20 (I think whichever parent approaches the service pays this) and then the agency (Child Maintenance Service I think) calculates amounts to be paid. The NRP can then pay directly (no charge) or pay through the system (20% charge for NRP, 4% taken off amount for RP).
The one thing I can't work out is whether the RP will have the right to insist on the agency taking the money. DP and ex had a voluntary arrangement. She wasn't happy, took it to CSA and he now has money taken directly from his salary - he did this to avoid arguments (amount of money paid didn't change). There's no issue with DP's willingness to pay maintenance, and we'd be more than happy to pay directly to ex. Does anyone know if under the new arrangement, the RP will be able to choose to pay direct, and whether the NRP will just have to accept that - can she insist it goes through the agency and therefore we have to pay the extra 20% even if we're willing to co-operate?
Seems ridiculous, but then all dealings with CSA to date have been ridiculous, so doesn't seem out of the question!
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Changes to child maintenance - anyone know?
16 replies
littlelamby · 05/12/2013 13:58
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