Can I pay my children directly?

I have trawled through many posts on here and not found one about this - if there is one my apologies.

I have two daughters 16 and 13. I do not see the 16 year old but the 13 comes every other weekend to stay with me and have been paying CM since setting up my own case with them last year.

I have no issues with the principals or the levels I pay as I want to support my children. However, I am not convinced the money is being used for their benefit.

Am I able to pay the children directly into their bank accounts or cash each month?

I appreciate they may need then to pay their mother "rent" etc to cover some of their household costs but at least I can be sure the rest is being used as it is intended.

Any thoughts or do I just have to let the stbx to use the money as she sees fit even if it appears she is benefiting from it?

No, stop worrying how the money is being used, it is helping to improve your childrens standard of living. You can't deduct from CM any money you pay direct to your children.

No Mick you can't pay the money direct to your children.
Al the best
Pete

I have no issues with the principals or the levels I pay as I want to support my children. However, I am not convinced the money is being used for their benefit.

The money that you pay effectively offsets money that your ex will already have paid to keep the children fed, clothed and housed. Whether you pay or not these monies will be spent by your ex. The money that you pay is not pocket money, it is to help your ex defray the expenses that she pays in any event.

Charles

I get what you mean - we paid ex a lot of money and in addition we had to pay for school uniforms, school trips, clothing - she said she 'couldn't afford the electricity bills' if she paid for these things! At the same time she bought a new car, installed a new conservatory and put in hardwood floors! I get what you mean!

It sounds as though you are implying that your partner's ex is a bit wanton because she has the cheek to improve the family's lifestyle by improving their accommodation and replacing a car.

The bottom line is your partner is liable to pay only what is in a court order or assessed by the CSA. It is entirely up to him if he wishes to contribute over and above this amount.

I think the point is a new car in the driveway isn't much good if you then can't afford to heat the house or put clothes on the kids.