Child maintenance

[CupcakeDrama]

I have 4 children with my ex. He is absent (hasnt seen them in 2 years) and doesnt pay any maintenance. According to CMS he doesnt work or claim benefits So I dont receive a penny. Im finding it really frustrating that he gets away without paying but I understand that CM cant do much. But is there anything that can be done? he is obviously surviving somehow? or do I just accept that this is that way things are?

[mummmy2017]

Report him to the tax man.
Bet he is doing cash in hand.

[Collaborate]

There's little you can do about it without hard evidence. Report him to the tax man? Waste of time and they'd rightly take no action. There are plenty of legitimate reasons why he may have no income.

[CupcakeDrama]

Yes ive been told reporting him wont do anything. Just seems really unfair. He obviously is getting money from somewhere as he lives in a council property and the rent needs paying.

[Collaborate]

Maybe he's out of work but living with somebody, and they're paying all the bills. There are plausible explanations for this.

[CupcakeDrama]

Thats what the CMS suggested (living off a partner) shouldnt mean he gets to shirk his responsibilities though surely? Its been 2 years. There seems to be no action that can be taken though.

[prh47bridge]

You can't make him pay money he doesn't have. If he is living off a partner, you can't make his partner liable for his child maintenance.

[CupcakeDrama]

I guess I will just have to accept it then. 🤷‍♀️

[sue51]

Sadly nothing you can do though it's morally reprehensible. If he was signing on you would get a few quid.