Unpaid arrears of over 7grand. Will CMS step in or should I open a civil court case?

[pinkrocker]

Basic story, exH left 5 years ago, I had to sell the house, horrifically stressfully and I lost my only ever inheritance which paid the deposit. I lost everything, everything including my sanity and my parents had to pay all the joint credit cards off.

ExH now lives with another lady, for the first 2 years he paid maintenance for our 2 kids, it was (after a very long, drawn out process) taken direct from his wages.
Then he went self employed, & for 2 years hasnt paid anything, claiming he makes £100 a week. CSA showed arrears of £6k over 2 years, CMS took case over and carried over the arrears.
Nothings been paid.
CMS doing nothing.
I'm at my wit's end, trying so hard not to get into debt, but struggling.
Can I ring CMS and demand they investigate?? And do what they're meant to?
Or would I be better opening a civil case?

Anyone had this happen to them?

Hate to read and run, especially as your first post was 2 days ago. Thing is... idk, I would say you probably have to take him to court to get a county court judgement. However, I think you need to contact Citizens Advice to get a real answer.

www.gov.uk/child-maintenance/nonpayment-what-happens

Quick Google... perhaps you should phone them and ask them nicely. I'd avoid 'demanding' as getting people's backs up is probably not going to help, however a sympathetic ear and someone outraged on your behalf may be more inclined to go out of their way to help you.

Good luck!

Thank you!
Will have a look at the link.