Late maintenance payments.

[JKCR2017]

I have DS aged 7 with my ex. For the best part of 6 years maintenance was dealt with by the csa as my ex useless at paying. For anyone that has used the csa, you may know that it was changing over to a new system which charges both the paying parent and the receiving parent to encourage parents to make their own arrangements.

I’d rather of stayed with the csa as I was guaranteed my sons money every week but my ex was keen I start our own arrangement to avoid costs.

First 2 months he paid without a problem. It’s month 3 and its a week late. Not mentioned anything as didn’t want to sound like I’m pestering for the money. Would you say something? Or just wait it out..?

Usually we do not rely on it we’ve had some unexpected costs this month and I could do with the money to help with school uniform costs.

I'd start the ball rolling with the CSA again. Better a surcharge than erratic payments.

Yes, send a message telling him that it is late, and that you have already been in touch with CSA as you are not going prepared to put up with late payments,

What a dick, didn't last long did it? Tell him it's embarrassing for you to have to chase him to take care of his son & that this is a friendly reminder if it's late again you're going to contact CSA.

Thank you. I’ve learnt today that his partner is actually in control of his finances (he’s been terrible with money and cannot be trusted so I don’t blame her), though now I don’t know who’s at blame. 🤔🤔

If he is terrible with payments why did you accept a private arrangement? Why not go through cms, pay £20 they set up everything for you, your ex can then pay you directly (so you both avoid fees), if he doesn't pay or is late cms will chase it up for you and if he keeps on missing payments they will then collect payment and charge you both a fee, which is worse for him than for you and at least you get a payment.

I'm switching to collect and pay and they charge the paying parent a 20% fee and the recipient only 4% so worth it in my opinion.