Parental Responsibility / CSA / Tertiary Education

[Marcus-2001]

Hi folks (may have already posted this, sorry if so)
Outline:-
When my son was born nearly 17 years ago I was married and, as such, I understand I retain legal parental resposnibility. After a very acrimonious divorce and then some intermittent contact I sadly lost contact 7 years ago. I know where he and my ex live but they wish for no contact and do not respond to letters so I do at least have an idea of what school/college he might be going to. I have been paying �400 a month Maintenance via the CSA for the last 9 years. My son is due to commence tertiary education this term. I have asked the CSA to confirm whether he is, indeed, continuing in education but they say they cannot approach the likely school/college and can only go by whether my ex continues to claim Child Support. My questions are please:-
Does the likely school/college have to tell me whether he is enrolled ? What evidence they might ask me for of my parental responsibility in order to give me this info ? Please feel free to offer any general advice for this situation. Thanks

[bednobs]

As far as i'm aware both child benefit and csa payments need to continue until either the child is 16 or until they rerach 19 (if they are still within full time education)
I think the csa are right in the fact that it would be better to just wait and see if the child benefit stops (ie your son dosent continue in his education). Even if he was enrolled and you could find out, he might not start/continue the course.
I have a feeling that the college will be very reluctant to tell you whether your son is enrolled or not, and probably quote data protection at you

[Marcus-2001]

I kinda realised all that already bedknobs hence the questions but thanks for the response anyway.

[CheekyChops]

The College I work at would not give you any info at all regarding your child unless you were given as a next of kin or named as a 'contact in an emergency' on the application form.

[Marcus-2001]

So does that mean my legal retention of parental responsibility is worthless ?

[Marcus-2001]

Well, didn't get many answers or much advice and maybe this was because my question seems selfish insomuch that I am trying to find out whether I have another two years of Maintenance payments still to go. The other point though is that although I am an absent parent who has lost contact (not through my choice) I am actually interested to find out about my son's education, how he is doing and what he might be studying............

[nurseryt-31]

Hi Marcus,
I'm sorry I can't really answer your question but I run a nursery and on our registration forms we ask for both parent's/carer's names and details so possibly you would be named on his enrolment forms? Although this is not definate given your lack of contact.
I think it is quite sad that you no longer see your son - have you tried contacting family mediation lawyers or maybe a more sympathetic member of your ex-wife's family? You may find that he wishes to see you as he gets older.
Good luck x

[bednobs]

i dont think your question sounds selfish at all - i simply think you havent got many replies because noone knows - why dont you ask the college? they will know what their policy is on revealing this information to you. Otherwise you just need to wait (not very long - term is about to start) to see whether the mother continues to claim child benefit as the son is still in full time education

[Marcus-2001]

My understanding is that as a parent with parental rsponsibility I have as much equal right as my ex in knowing about his education and the college legally can't deny me that. I guess I was seeking confirmation of that as well as advice as to how to approach the most likely establishments in this situation. Maybe it's fairly unique.....

[bednobs]

of course, the easiest thing to do would be to ask your son. is there absolutely no way that could happen?
BTW i dont understand how you have parental responsibilty but no contact - surely that means you being involved in a lot of decisions such as schooling and healthcare? have y been involved in any of these decisions?

[Marcus-2001]

bednobs, if this was posted in the 'Family' or 'Relationships' sections I would appreciate your kind of answer. However I have placed the question in the 'Law' section.

[woodboy]

I have a similar problem Marcus - The CSA do not contact the college , and its my understanding they just took the word of my ex.Therefore you could be paying months of payments before somebody realises that its wrong.
Maybe she would get more money by saying he is at college , against the amopunt she'd receive from the government if he was out of work.A tough one - You and me are soft options my friend - believe it.Its easier to get after the people that keep on contact with them and do the right thing over the phone rather than chase the non-payers.

[Marcus-2001]

Woodboy, Check my other post of a similar description and see the link given by Chele7272, we do have parental responsibility and the college should treat us exactly as it treats our ex (as long as you were married when the child was born).......