Child maintenance

[RedCandyApple]

My children’s father has never really paid child maintenance since we split. He’s made about 10 payments in 5 years, through the cms. First he wasn’t working or claiming benefits (this went on for 3 years) cms would not do anything and refused to investigate because they said he “could be living off a partner” even though I knew that wasn’t the case, they didn’t care. He started paying £7 a week but every so often he will go on benefits for a few months then come off again so the payments never catch up. He now last made a payment in September. I don’t understand why cms don’t do anything about this? Has anyone else never had a luck with cms? Feels like I’m the only one sometimes reading threads on here!

You’re not the only one by a mile. Cms is not fit for purpose my ex hasn’t paid a penny since we split mid last year. He works full time but self employed and claims universal credit so was supposed to pay £7 a week. He just changes his bank account so they can’t take it. I reported that he was working to cms they said they’d investigate … nothing came of it. Makes my blood boil that these men can just avoid being financially responsible for the children they created. He’s now living a lovely carefre life, new cars, holidays, designer clothes.. whilst I’m struggling to put food on the table for my kids. So unfair

I don't know anyone who has had success through CMS. Luckily for me my ex isn't a knob and pays direct to my bank so we don't use CMS. My friend hasn't had a penny from her ex in 11 years and she's chased CMS loads.

I don’t know then! I usually read threads on here from people getting quite high amounts in child maintenance whereas we’ve had to go without any, It’s very frustrating how some nrp get away with paying nothing.

@RedCandyApple

I don’t know then! I usually read threads on here from people getting quite high amounts in child maintenance whereas we’ve had to go without any, It’s very frustrating how some nrp get away with paying nothing.

A lot of people who get high amounts will probably be in my situation where our exes are happy to pay maintenance, they're not all arseholes. My ex pays willingly. The ones who don't want to pay can seemingly get away with it.

My son is 3.5 and hasn’t received anything from his so called dad. He does exactly what ur saying so it takes longer for anyone to do anything. It’s so annoying and frustrating that they think they shouldn’t have to provide for there child. Also he doesn’t even have contact with my son(his choice)