I'm confused! Where do I stand?

My Consent Order is dated October 1995. The wording states that I pay for the benfit of my daughter until she reached the age of 18 or ceases full time education, whichever is the later.

My daughter has just turned 18. I have spoken to the court twice about what happens next, and have been given two answers;

1. Unless she attends college, no further payments are made.

2. If she goes to uni, I keep paying.

My daughter has been in contact with me, after many years, wanting to see me. I want to continue to support her, but not pay the mother.

Does anyone know whcih version from the court is right, and what chance have I got if they can't give me a consistent answer?

Hi,

This one always causes some level of confusion. I believe the CSA state it stops on the 19th birthday. Doesnt matter if they are studying still it stops then. The father can then make alternative arrangements directly with the child etc...many of course do exactly that. Our kids all need support dont they, but at the end of the day that payment to CSA stops

I have spoken to the CSA about this previously.

Regards
DA

The court is correct in both its answers. What you have to do depends on what your daughter is doing.

If your daughter has already left school, you can stop paying now.

If she has stayed on, you pay until she leaves school, or if she goes to university, when she leaves that.

Unless the court order says otherwise, you have to pay her mother. If you transfer the payments over to you, her mother could go back to court to get you to pay her as well.

Best wishes,
Sadie