Child Maintenance

[MummySam94]

Hello ladies.

Me and my daughters dad have been separated for about 2 and a half years. We've both moved on etc. For the first year after we split he paid nothing towards her (I am her full time parent) and then he started paying £50 a month. I've done a calculator and worked out he should be paying £60+ a week based on his hours/wages. Things are still not civil between us unfortunately, and he's missed this months payment.
Am I entitled to ask for more considering?
Thank you.

Have you opened a case with the CMS? If he's not consistent I'd strongly suggest letting them handle it.

I haven't yet. I didn't know whether I was really entitled to because even if he's not paying enough, he was still paying. Don't want to seem like I'm just after his money if you know what I mean?

You’re not after his money in the way you’re thinking, your daughter is entitled to money from her dad which goes to you for you to use as you think best. Got you to give her a better life. He should be paying his way.
You need to call the enquiry / information service connected with the child maintenance service. You’ll give them the information and you can choose where you want to go from there.
There is (or was) a £20 fee if you choose to use the CMS to work out how much is owed each month (there is no back pay, it starts from when you call). The fee is waived if there’s a history if domestic violence.
He’ll be written to as well, telling him how much he should pay.
If he still doesn’t, you have the choice of escalating it to them collecting it directly. If you choose this you’ll lose a small amount and he’ll pay extra too.
Do call them though.

You're not after his money, just what he should be contributing to the upkeep of his child. No more, no less.

If he can't be trusted to pay what you agreed better you, let the CMS handle it. He'll end up paying more, but that's his problem not yours.

Thank you. I'm definitely going to talk with them. I completely agree with everything you're saying.
I think I was always stopped myself because I didn't want anymore tension between us as I find him very intimidating. But I see now that I just need to do what's right and not let him effect my decisions.
Thanks again.