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does csa cover ''everything''

Dmmk13
Posted by
Elite Member

05 Aug 13 #403429 by Dmmk13

Reply from Dmmk13

i had to renew them last year so if he wants to take them away i thonk its only fair if he pays half. if i hadnt would he pay full amount and let me have them. i doubt it.

Gillian48
Platinum Member

05 Aug 13 #403436 by Gillian48

Reply from Gillian48

I know the CSA money I get doesn''t cover nearly half of what it costs to feed, clothe, house my kids - never mind luxuries which they don''t have anymore. I know where you''re coming from - I''m not sure of your children''s ages but I don''t think it''s fair he should take them out of the country and not let you know where they are going? What do I know though - it''s just my opinion.

CakesandFlowers
Platinum Member

05 Aug 13 #403437 by CakesandFlowers

Reply from CakesandFlowers

Would you tell your ex where you were going and who with if it was you taking the children away?

I do sympathise with uou over yhe cost of raising children however If your Ex is paying £79 a week for about 30k it works out at about 22% ish of his take home salary so although you say it isn''t much, it is quite a chunk .

Dmmk13
Posted by
Elite Member

05 Aug 13 #403452 by Dmmk13

Reply from Dmmk13

jst been away and he did know where and who with. there is nothing to hide so why wouldnt I.

Gillian48
Platinum Member

05 Aug 13 #403457 by Gillian48

Reply from Gillian48

I agree with Dmmk13 - why would he hide where he was going and how long for? I''m not sure of the ages of your children but if they are young surely it''s responsible to let you know where they are going ? maybe not who with but definitely where in the world they are going? Why so secretive that''s what I would want to know.

CakesandFlowers
Platinum Member

06 Aug 13 #403472 by CakesandFlowers

Reply from CakesandFlowers

Maybe it''s just another battle ground as there have already been disagreements over the holiday. Maybe wait a bit when things have calmed down and ask again.

Child Maintenance Options
Moderator

08 Aug 13 #403712 by Child Maintenance Options

Reply from Child Maintenance Options

Hi Dmmk13

Thank you for your post, I am Sarah the child maintenance Options consultant. Child maintenance is a contribution towards the cost of bringing up a child and this includes not only such items as food and clothing but also it is a contribution towards the home that the child lives in and the associated costs of running that home. Your children''s father is only required to pay the amount the Child Support Agency (CSA) calculates. Any extra payments for passports or school trips would be paid at your children''s father''s own discretion.

The CSA is not the only option for child maintenance, if you feel you and your children''s father can discuss maintenance together you maybe able to agree a family-based arrangement. This is when parents agree who will provide what for their children. There are no strict rules or formulas that you would have to stick to when calculating your payments. You could include other things such as your children''s father providing clothing or paying for school trips.

Family-based arrangements are not legally binding, however, they can be quick and easy to set up. We have some useful tools and guides available to download from our website at www.cmoptions.org/en/toolbox/index.asp, which may help you make a family-based arrangement. We have a Talking about money guide and Discussion guide, these can help you work out together how much maintenance your children need and help you plan your conversation with your children''s father.

If you would like an indication or check the amount of maintenance you receive based on how the CSA calculates maintenance, there is an online calculator on our website at www.cmoptions.org/en/calculator. Some parents use the figure provided as a starting point to negotiate their payments. We have a Sorting out separation web-app on our website at www.cmoptions.org/en/sortingoutseparation/index.asp that you may find useful as it offers help and support to separated families.

To find out more about the other options available and how Child Maintenance Options can help you visit cmoptions.org or call us free on 0800 988 0988 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday or 9am and 4pm on Saturday.

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