Child support from Evil Ex

[johnny28]

After 5 years without my leeching Ex, I received a letter from the CSA. during this time I have not had any contact with any of my 2 sons (she refused and as advised by 2 solicitors I had no chance in a civil court with my past criminal record for violence).
I'm just settling down with my new family and have a good job as a programmer,which is probably why shes done this.

For the past few years shes been living with another fella (heroin addict) and they've had a child. I'm aware that all the past gifts & presents from myself to my children got binned and I begrudge paying her a penny when I know it'll get spent on Narcotics.

Is there anything I can do?

[Pippa68]

Not a lot, I'm afraid.

They are your kids, and you are obliged to help with their financial support regardless of her new family (and yours).

It's the way the system works ~ rightly or wrongly.

My husband pays CSA to his ex, and she uses the money on anything but the child...

[PinkFizz]

Pippa is right - she and I have both had bitter experience with the CSA.

[johnny28]

Thanks for your answers, it looks like bang goes 20% of my earnings, I only hope my children see some benefit from it.

I did recall hearing about a case years ago where a father didnt have to pay CSA due to the Mother adamantly refusing the father contact, but I dont think this is the case anymore sinse visitation and maintenence are seperate laws now.

[Pippa68]

Unfortunately yes..maintenance has to be paid whether or not contact is allowed.

Sickening really isn't it? Mr Pippa has always maintained his money is wanted but not his presence.

[PinkFizz]

I have heard that you can now insist that any money you pay is put into a bank account and then out of that you pay school uniform, trips,etc, especially if you feel the money would not really go on the child.

[wigglebum]

If you can prove to the CSA that the money is not going directly to the children and spent on things for her and her narcotics then as Pinkfizz says you can get it put straight into an account and from there they will receive what they need

[johnny28]

Very interesting, I will look into that.

Thanks

[Pippa68]

I would be interested to know how that can work.

When Mr P raised concerns, the CSA told him it was none of his business what the money was spent on, all that mattered was that the payments were made and his ex wife received them.

Put it this way, his ex wife goes on foreign trips alone while her daughter wears charity shop shoes..nice, eh?

[full-throttl]

if your new job pays bonus and any other non guarenteed earnings ensure these are pointed out on your pay slip. it is my belief that only guaranteed earnings can be considered when maintenance is being calculated,

this is only hear-say because fortunately i have not been in this position myself yet...