In terms of getting child maintenance, is there any advantage in using a Consent Order instead of the CSA?

[OrangeFish]

Just wondering, it seems like the perfect option to keep my ex payments in order as he keeps changing his mind about the money and definitively has a rather flexible idea on what having his child for x,y, and z day of the week entails.

I have reviewed the options and at first view, it seems that the only advantage of a consent order is that is quicker to set and amend when circumstances change(albeit not exactly cheap to do!)

Does anybody has found any other advantages? I'm really wondering why it continues to exist if the CSA seems to be offering a far more effective and free option.

TIA

exh's payments, I mean...

bump

any one?

The only real advantage in my opinion (which is not expert by the way) is that you can ask for more.
After a period of time ( i think 12 months) your ex could ask the CSA to administer anyway so it's a bit pointless really. Also, as much as it is easy for you to amend, it is easy for him to amend as well. You could end up tied up in court for a long time with no payments if he wanted to be difficult.

Although involving the CSA can cause bad feeling as it is generally seen as a Bad Thing.

Can you not talk to your ex and agree a set monthly standing order that takes into account average number of overnight stays per month.

Advantage in what way?

Any, for the father, the mother and the children