Child maintenance options (CMO) closing down

[jofjof]

Hi
Has anyone used CMO and found them useful? I have and I am upset to hear they are closing the service and putting it all online. These are the people you speak to for advice before doing your application with the child maintenance service.
In this modern day and age I get things go digital but what about a real conversation with someone who provides empathy to your situation and also tells you where to go if you need extra support. I was a victim of DV and would never have had the confidence to sort child maintenance if they hadn't helped me like this. Government cuts to help pay for something else I bet

I can’t say I ever spent much time calling them? Is it just the number you have to call before getting through to cms? If that’s the case then I don’t think it’s a massive loss.

I didn't spend much time calling them either.
I didn't find them useful.

I found them helpful because I had been through domestic abuse and they explained what to do in order not to have to pay the fee.

Also I'm autistic and I often struggle to understand what is meant on forms and in online portals so their support was quite helpful in that sense

I only called them once or twice but they were really understanding and helpful. Domestic abuse situation too.

I'm one of the staff members on CMO and we all have concerns about the service moving online and how customers will be supported. Alas, we are not the ones in charge so have no choice. From me and all of my colleagues, thank you for your kind words. We have been around for 14 years and have supported thousands of people in their child maintenance choice. We are sad to see the service go and the break up of our fantastic and very knowledgeable team.
Much love ❤️