Can anyone explain CSA, is it worth going down that route ?

[TimeToStopLurking]

Can anyone explain how CSA works? I get there's a calculator and you can set it up so payments are taken directly at source if a private agreement isn't working. I'm wondering, though, how does the CSA make calculations, and how up to date/accurate are they?

I've read that if pay changes by 25% then changes can be made.

In reality, how up to date is it, in relation to income?

My ex pays privately, he's decided the bare minimum and changes the payments. I'm debating whether I should go down the CSA route or not.

Can anyone tell me whether it automatically adjusts for salary increases if you're using it?

Or is it all based on initial calculations. And what happends if you don't know your ex's salary?

It'll change as his salary changes. Is he self employed?

I think the child maintenance service will take 15% of his take home wage and if he refuses to pay they will directly take it from wages. The wages are checked through HMRC during a yearly review. And HMRC will also give the wages information to the CMS so he won’t be able to get out of it. They take ages to get things going though but the claim will be back dated from date claim was made. You may have to pay a small amount to set up the claim it’s definitely worth it for the security and consistency for your finances and being able to actually provide for your kids.

Thank you so much for replying. I've been going round in circles whether to go down that route and whether indeed it is worth it. I think it is, given your explanation.

He's employed full time. Not self-employed.