Child maintenance.. Deduction of earnings order

[Serendipity456]

Hi all.
Posting here for a bit more traffic as I posted in money matters before and had no responses.

Does anyone know how long it takes for CMS to enforce a deduction of earnings order? Ex partner has now missed two payments. He was set up on direct pay but I already knew he wasn't going to send any money.. How long could I be waiting for? Thanks.

Well, from personal experience- and I'm sorry this isn't more helpful or positive - ages. I'm not even convinced they have anyone working there. I applied in April, and like you, ex was set up on Direct Pay although I knew he wasn't going to do it. He has not paid a penny and despite my emails and messages (there's no way to get through on the phone) they have done nothing as far as I can see. And he is claiming his only income is benefits (although I know he gets a generous work place pension and works cash in hand/selling on Ebay etc) so it's only £7 a week! He's just been on holiday abroad - the 7th holiday he's been on since we separated 18 months ago. I'll let you know if I ever get any response or cash!

Ironically, I did get a letter last month telling me I'd been selected for some customer satisfaction survey - but they haven't rung me about that either.