CSA

[meandmyfour]

Can anyone tell me what to expect if I contact the CSA. I'm trying to pluck up the courage to finally face this issue, my ex partner refuses to contribute at all. Will he receive a phone call or letter and if so what will the tone of the letter be? Friendly or threatening? I'm trying to prepare myself for his reaction...
Any thought/experiences shared would be greatly appreciated

I finally contacted CSA after my ex defaulted and stop paying maintenance for our daughter before Christmas. They called him on his mobile first and then sent out some forms asking him for income details.They have also sent forms to his employer. I believe they are non threatening and act to advise both parties accordingly as to the whole maitenance process. I am lucky as in the main we are on good terms but the call could well come out of the blue to your partner and only you can judge how he will handle it.
I can only say that if you dont face the issue no-one can do it for you. From previous experience (with my first husband) the CSA move very slowly and I recommend you phone on a regular basis to keep your case moving. I found the CSA very helpful and happy to advise over the phone so perhaps a call to them might help you to decide.

Good luck

I contacted them at the end of November, and should have my first payment by next week.

As Redfairy says, they contact him by phone first and then contact his employer for proof of earnings.

I was surprised it was sorted out so soon after reading some horror stories about them, and only had to phone them once, just after Christmas to give them a nudge!

One thing I will say, though, now that he has to pay for them, my ex has decided he wants much more access. This is because the more overnights he has, the less he has to pay. So you may want to keep that in mind before you do anything.

I had a nightmare with the CSA. They can lie and be aggressive.

It may well not be pretty, but if he's defaulting, it's his fault, and he's asked for it.

Please, please tell me he works in a salaried/waged job. if so, no problem you'll get the money eventually. If he's self-employed, be prepared for a real problem.

ExDW and I had an acrimonious split, and I left when she again told me to leave the house.

While I was sorting out things (out of the house) she found out [by breaking into a work filing cabinet] I had been having an affair.

I continued paying the mortgage and support; did the CSA calculations and paid her rather more than that. I left the house with my clothes and books and that was it.

FF past the bit where she did me in court for ancilliary relief, ending up with her paying me £6k (which £3k went on my legal fees; hers were £8k); and her being difficult with access to the point where I refused to communicate with her except in writing, which I'd let the children read and discussing Family Court for access orders...

The CSA decided they'd check up; they told her they could arrange collection (obviously much easier than the standing order from me direct into her bank account) and then promptly told me I owed £8k.

The reason it didn't end badly is I knew their reputation; sent everything to them Special Delivery, photocopies retained; recorded every call with them, and did transcripts.

Note, this was even with exDW saying I'd paid since I left.

He will end up with 20% of his income going for 2 kids. Yes, the access may be an issue for you - but surely you'd want the kids to see their dad 2 nights a week anyway?

I had to fight like hell to see my kids. The reason I got access in the end? The kids told their mother they wanted to see me; and told her that's what they'd tell the judge.

DS/DD are now teetering into adulthood. I get on with my kids really well. That's what I can never forgive my exDW for trying to break.

If he doesn't want access - well more fool him, and take the 20% and smile.