AIBU - Child Support reduced by Pension Contributions

[Monny]

So, I have discovered to day that my kids' Child Support will be reduced by about £600 month because of my ex's pension contributions (back-dating to 2017). According to the CSA person I spoke to, it is quite a common tactic to reduce payments by paying huge amounts into a pension, but nothing can be done due to it being in the legislation that CS payers must be able to pay their pensions.

For me, I guess it is, what it is. We'll tighten our belts and get by. But what upsets me is that another family would find such a sudden
reduction catastrophic.
My ex has a very good salary (treble what I earn), he's not struggling to pay his pension (unlike a lower earner). AIBU to think that this is just penalising the primary carer further. He is free to work late, travel for work, forward his career. Meanwhile, I need restricted hours to be there for the kids (and a restricted salary and pension contributions), cannot travel for work, slower career path, etc.

Have I got it wrong? It seems to me that Basic Plus Rate earners have been given a free pass to pay as though they were Basic Rate and therefore more families will need to rely on benefits.

You're not being unreasonable, but there was recently a thread where several posters were increasing their pension contributions in order to claim more tax credits, and the overwhelming majority thought it was a good idea.

I disagree with both, but if the majority deem it acceptable for the resident parent, I can't see how they can object to the NRP doing it too.

Sorry, I didn't see that thread.

I think it's unfair because it gives abusive personalities a green card to wield their abusive powers on their ex, whilst ensuring they have everything they can want in old age.

There was a thread a few days ago where a poster said her Ex had tried similar, and she'd reported him for 'disposal of assets' or something. He then had to pay the full amount of maintenance regardless.

Well you can dispute it. It may be that he's paying in an excessive amount towards his pension contributions to decrease his gross income.

If that is the case then the CMS can decide what is a reasonable allowance for pension contributions.

I think it's unfair because it gives abusive personalities a green card to wield their abusive powers on their ex, whilst ensuring they have everything they can want in old age

Sadly they’re exactly the type who would take advantage!!