Advice on Child Maintenance

[ElleA]

Hi
When my ex and I divorced three years ago, he was unemployed but it was agreed that when he could, he'd be giving me £60 per week for my two daughters, then aged 12 and 10. He hasn't worked since so I haven't had any money from him. He's now managed to get into the film industry earning £180 per day on set so obviously I started rubbing my hands together, as I'm in a lot of debt now even though I work full time etc and am really struggling financially. I met with him yesterday and he said he'll give me what we agreed back then, so I'll be getting £240 per month from him which to be honest I'm not too happy about but at least it's something. Where do I stand on this, should be be giving me more as it sure feels like he should be . I've never approached the CSA.
Thanks x

how sustainable is the work he has right now?? is it permanent?

just go to csa website to do a calculation

even when unemployed you would have got £5 a week from his benefits

The CSA formula is 20% of his net income for two children, so £36 per day. I presume he's working as an extra? If so then it'll be quite sporadic.

If you can't get him to agree to pay 20% of net, then go to the CSA, but they may struggle if he's not working regular hours.

Hmmmmph! No didn't get even £5 from his benefits. He's working on props and sets etc which it seems is quite lucrative.

Did your child maintenance agreement form part of the consent order finalizing the settlement between you? If not a voluntary agreement isn't legally binding. In any case either party may apply to the CSA one year after the date of the order.

However, you may not actually be better off going through the CSA. If your ex works irregularly or is classified as self employed his income may be far less than £180, or at least on paper, when all the deductions have been taken into account. Maybe worth seeing how the job goes for a couple of months rather than diving in and upsetting the applecart.

I think that makes a lot of sense especially knowing how he'll react. Will do that and see how the land lies in a few months. Many thanks for all the advice xx