Child maintenance arrears once child turns 18

[Freeyourmind]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of what happens to child maintenance arrears once child has turned 18. Ex didn't pay anything for years, so approx £10,000 in arrears. Has remained in the same job for a while now and a deductions of earnings order is in place, daughter is about to turn 18 and will more than likely go to university (not 100% decided yet) so child benefit will end and I'm therefore assuming child maintenance. But has anyone had the deductions of earnings order stay in place to continue to collect the arrears?

I am not sure. However, I have had a deduction in earnings order in place for 1.5 years and so far received only 2 payments. I thought a deduction in earnings would be easy and stress free.

Current Arrears are at £1600

When I phone up to question why, they advice they need to chase it up with the ‘employer’

I would be keen to follow this thread as we will likely be in the same boat.

Sorry I can not be of use.

Update - CMS say they will continue to take arrears until they are clear. First months payment after the monthly child maintenance ended was more that I had been receiving normally under the deductions of earnings order (not sure why), going forward they are contacting him again now to agree an amount going forward but will keep using the order in place.

I know someone paying arrears for his children who are now in their 20s, so it should continue to be taken.