CMS Bailiff Action Failed – What Happens Next?

[SoloMum24]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice or to hear from anyone who's been in a similar situation.

I last heard from the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) on 15th May 2025, when they informed me that the bailiffs (enforcement agents) had been unsuccessful in recovering arrears owed to me by the paying parent.

I called CMS at the end of April, and at that time, they said he had agreed to restart making regular maintenance payments. For context, he hasn't paid anything since August last year, which is how the arrears built up. After that call, I received just one payment, and then nothing again so clearly, he hasn’t followed through.

I'm now wondering:

• What happens next when bailiffs fail?
• Has anyone had CMS go for passport removal, driving license suspension, or even prison action?
• How long did it take for the next enforcement step?
• Did you have to chase CMS to get them to act?

It’s incredibly frustrating trying to get any traction with this process, and I feel like I'm constantly being left in the dark.

Any advice, timelines, or shared experiences would be really appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

If my Dsis's example is anything to go by they'll do nothing, will encourage her to drop child support completely and she'll have a huge arrearage for a DC that's now in his late twenties.

Don't give up- call as often as you can bear it- you can also send messages to them via the website, just write them in your notes app or a word doc and screenshot and upload them to the 'upload a document' bit. They can and will move onto driving licence removal.