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Original poster

Csa need more maintenance

9 replies

Izzieloo · 03/02/2023 20:16

Hi with the cost of living going up I would like more maintenance I have two children my ex is self employed I am sure he isn’t paying enough . Will the csa take a percentage from me /. Will they have a way of finding out what he is earning ,,, thanks

OP posts:
Coffeaddict · 03/02/2023 20:30

Well maintence will remain a percentage of his income so unless his salary has changed or is having the kids less then his csa payments won't change

Original poster
Izzieloo · 03/02/2023 20:46

He is just paying what he thinks t the moment I have no idea what he earns .

OP posts:
CornishGem1975 · 03/02/2023 20:47

Yes they will know from his tax returns how much he is earning. But they will also depend on how honest he is being about those earnings.

Sucessinthenewyear · 03/02/2023 20:48

CSA will look at his tax from his declared imcome. It may mean he pays more or even less than he currently is. Unless you have them less than 50% of the time you won’t need to give him money.

MillicentTrilbyHiggins · 03/02/2023 20:50

The CMS canfind out how much he is earning, but it's easy for self employed people to hide their earnings.

You could open a case and see what they come up with, but if he's currently playing over their rates he might lower it. IIRC they charge £20 to open the case, but only charge after that if they have to collect the payments for you. (I think you pay 4%)

Babyroobs · 03/02/2023 20:51

Like most self employed he will probably find ways around declaring his full earnings !

Original poster
Izzieloo · 03/02/2023 21:05

So if I get in touch with cms and it’s lower will he know. I have contacted them . Will they check what he is earning every year ?

OP posts:
Deathbyfluffy · 03/02/2023 21:09

They usually review every year - the only problem you might face is the one my ex did when she decided I wasn't paying enough (self employed contractor).
I always paid her more than I had to, and made this clear - but she insisted I wasn't.
I've always been very up front with HMRC and CMS about my income - but all goodwill went out the window when ex made it her mission to drag more money out of me (despite her going on the lash every weekend, spending silly amounts on flash cars to 'fit in with the Jones' and shopping at Waitrose every week) - the CSA actually lowered the amount I had to pay, which I graciously accepted.

Remember the cost of living has increased for your ex too, so they might not have more money to give you. Not everyone self employed is making good money; I had times where I was burning through cash during quieter periods and had to fund it myself.

Original poster
Izzieloo · 03/02/2023 21:31

Yes deathbyfluffy I think my ex would have to declare his earning as he is a sub contractor.
I appreciate your point of view but I am not living the high life .

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