CSA Threats

Mich_dan,

If the parent with care is drawing Benefits, the referral to CSA is automatic. Otherwise it's voluntary. You can't stop it, but she can. The duty to maintain one's children is statutory - it can't be avoided.

If you are already paying at the correct rate the CSA will not interfere. Don't pay her cash tough - she could always deny receiving the money. Always ensure the payments to her are traceable.

The correct rate is 15% for one child, 20% for two etc less any deductions for nights the children stay with you during the year: nothing up to 53 nights, deduct one seventh for 54-107 nights etc.

Your pay for assessment purposes is take-home (including bonuses averaged over the year) so you deduct tax, NIC and pension contributions before calculating net pay for assessment.

If there are any children from a new relationship at your home you deduct 15% from your take-home pay, 20% for two etc - before assessing your liability to pay child support for children of former marriage or relationship. CSA and child support don't care whether children are born of a married or cohabiting relationship.

Hope this helps.

Will C

If she was successful in 'screwing you for more money', I'd suggest you stop with additional payments for clothes and holidays. (Or you buy them direct for the kids, and cut out the middle man!) It sounds like she's beeing greedy, and I doubt you have a problem.

Work on the percentages already quoted, (I believe it's to a maximum of 25% for 3 or more kids?), against your take-home pay.