how do I go about getting maintenance from my ex?

[Jenarry]

We have been split up for nearly 2 years now after he split the relationship up.
In two years he hasn't paid a single penny in maintenance for our son and seems to think this is ok and will carry on this way until i take steps.
He owed me a lot of money when he went from a business venture which he has paid most back bar £1000 which i think i may have to write off especially as he has took to not giving me anything at all towards it for the last month,
he gives me a lot of flannel and has called the shots about how much he gives me and just says we will sort maintenance out once paid money back to me.
so know i'm thinking of taking steps to get maintenance off him(at long last) in an official way so that he can't not pay me one week and give me less the next etc.
how do i go about this. i work full time so would have to pay legal costs if I have to go down that route. or do i have to go to the CSA?
any advice gratefully received as i don't know where to start.

[exdc]

Hi Jenarry

have a look at the CSA website:

http://www.csa.gov.uk/

[Jenarry]

Thankyou very much. I've been trying to avoid going down the csa route but my ex gave me no option.
I phoned the csa on tuesday pm and they were very helpful and I've started a claim to actually get some maintenance out of the ex.

[boxtops]

Good. Let us know how you get on.

[Jenarry]

I will do boxtops . thankyou.

[momcj]

Hope it goes ok because CSA have been pretty rubbish with me. I get £5 a week off my ex because he claims benefits, and they say if they claim benefits its a standard £5 a week. However i know he is still getting paid from work and this month has has 9 months backpay!!! He was sacked for being off sick all time and he has taken it to tribunal and won. He wont ever go back though he is too lazy, said as much to people. He even said he is in no rush to go back because they are paying him anyway! ah well good luck. Csa are noce enough, just think with my case there hands are tied!

[Jenarry]

that very frustrating momcj. :O( from what i've heard in recent years through friends and loved ones if you're not working you get all the help and/or get away with loads when it comes to responsibilities with children.
my work mate has had the same problem as you for years with her ex . he works cash in hand for his family and claims benefits so she hasn't had a penny of maintenance from him for their 2 children.
some people really know how to get away with things don't they . :O(