CSA or Courts

If I apply to the CSA rather than to the courts as a result of a broken Consent Order, how quickly would the CSA act and would they be able to obtain arrears from my highly paid self-employed ex-husband?

If the consent order was dated over a year ago (but after March 2003) you can apply to the CSA who then notify the court and the consent order ceases to have effect. Only then will the CSA start collecting payments and you won't be able to claim arrears.

If a non payer is self employed the CSA don't appear to be very effective at collecting payments so you my find it is in your interest to enforce the consent order. There is a guide EX327 and form for registering the order, D151, available in the form section of HMCourts Services website.

Does that mean that I could apply to the courts for arrears and then apply to the CSA shortly afterwards?
Also, if the court awards a variation, do you have to wait a full year before applying to the CSA?

Why do you want to apply to the CSA? It is notoriously difficult when someone is self employed and often it is better to stick with the courts if at all possible. Ordinary assessments often take many months if the NRP doesn't cooperate. Variations and enforcement can take years.