Can CMS tell me what he earns? Can I find out without him knowing?

[Mummame2222]

Have an ok coparenting relationship with ex but have just realised he should be paying way more in maintenance then he is. How can I find out his exact earnings? He should have been paying much more for ages and I’ve had no idea. I’d rather not go through maintenance but I don’t think he’ll exactly be forthcoming with his details when I ask for more money.

Would you not just go through cms? What's the parenting split?

If he won’t tell you then I don’t think you can truly find out unless you go through CMS (if he’s not dodgy and declaring all his income anyway). His salary details won’t be available anywhere for you to access.

Private maintenance arrangements are often encouraged. We’ve been split a long time. I’m not sure why the parenting split is relevant here as I already know I’m entitled. I want to know how to find out his earnings so I can ask him for what I’m entitled to.

Does he know how much you earn?

You can't find out without going through cms. If he's self employed, it may not be accurate.

You say all this, but you’re also living a bit in a fantasy.

Sure private maintenance arrangements are encouraged. But they are encouraged on the basis that people are open and amicable and both care about the DCs involved and dependents.

Instead you also write:

“I’d rather not go through maintenance but I don’t think he’ll exactly be forthcoming with his details when I ask for more money”

so isn’t this your answer @Mummame2222 ?

That you need to go through CMS, because he’s not likely to be forthcoming, and therefore you’ll get less money for you and your DCs while you continue to try and be “amicable”?

Basically you pay £20 they assess it and tell him how much to pay that's still classed as a family based arrangement and there are no further ongoing costs unless he defaults

I’m not living in a fantasy. I’m trying to put myself in a good bargaining position before we start arguing about travel costs etc through CMS and avoiding potentially shooting myself in the foot.

If he’s on a fixed band/grade (e.g. civil service / NHS / uni etc) you could probably find out a ballpark of what he’s on with some digging?

Thanks all. I done a bit of digging found the job listing and asked for a number which he agreed to!

Wow that was quick! Glad you got an outcome you’re happy with.