Hi there i just need some advice on child maintenance. I pay child maintenance and then they got intouch me to tell me I have to pay more but I have told them I’m willing to pay anymore than what I’m paying as the mother doesn’t let me see the child what so ever. So I am paying maintenance still but not the full amount.
I assume, when you say they got in touch, you mean Child Maintenance Services? If so, then you really don't want to be paying less than they calculate as this means that you start to go into arrears, and they will then chase you for that through various means, ultimately potentially through the courts and bailiffs. In addition, they will put you onto collect and pay, which means that you pay the money to them and they pass it on - this can be done via a deduction of earnings, where your employer is legally obliged to take it from your earnings and pay it to CMS, and in doing so, they also add a 20% fee on top of the amount. It can take months to get back to direct pay to avoid this 20% charge.
The CMS do not concern themselves on whether she is withholding contact with your child, that is for your to sort out with your ex, either directly, or otherwise through mediation, and ultimately to court if all else fails.
I’m in the same position as you! The system is so messed up in this sense!
it makes me so angry, that my ex won’t let me see my 2 young girls. She won’t reply to any message, text, email or letter, including all her family, yet I am still expected to pay the full amount to her and if I don’t, well we’ll just take it from your earnings before you even see it!
in my eyes it’s basically a form of financial abuse!
It’s so incredibly one sided, It real needs to change. But I’m afraid it never will…
@tryingtodad888 Absolutely agree so one sided. Fathers for Justice are trying to do something to change this but looks like a uphill struggle unfortunately. Keep your chin up mate. Be strong 👍