[Solved] CSA calculation change from pre 2003

Unless anyone on here knows otherwise, I not sure that there is any way to switch to the new system - have you spoken to the CSA?

one thing has just occurred to me - the CSA are talking about introducing charges to both parents in 2013. Could you suggest to your ex that to avoid these charges you come to a private arrangement to pay the same amount as you are at the moment, let it run for, say 6 months, and then tell the CSA that it's not working and ask them to take the case on - I wonder if they'd then have to re-assess under the new rules.

one thing has just occurred to me - the CSA are talking about introducing charges to both parents in 2013. Could you suggest to your ex that to avoid these charges you come to a private arrangement to pay the same amount as you are at the moment, let it run for, say 6 months, and then tell the CSA that it's not working and ask them to take the case on - I wonder if they'd then have to re-assess under the new rules.

I like your thinking!!!!!

I'd agree with Actd's advice. Also have you tried calling Child Maintenance Options helpline? I wonder if they can give you the advice you need or help with sorting out a voluntary arrangement between you and your ex?

Check out these pages.... http://www.dadtalk.co.uk/a-csa-arrangement they might be of help or at least give you the phone number to call them. CMO are part of the same body as the CSA so it should all be linked together advice wise....

Let us know if you get anywhere - I'm sure others would like to know.

I'm not sure I follow this. What would they be charging for in 2013 and would any new calculations be applicable if my daughter was born in '07 and we started using the CSA in '09 ?

I find them pretty useless to be honest.

if this is accurate then I want no part in it:
http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/content.aspx?CategoryID=574

Do they think we're made of money?

Hi,

I'm Sarah the Child Maintenance Options consultant and thought it might help if I gave you some information regarding child maintenance.

Unfortunately you cannot move onto the current CSA scheme unless all of the following circumstances apply:

• you are part of a CSA case which was opened before 3 March 2003
• you have made a new application or been named in a new application on or after 3 March 2003
• the children in the new application have a different parent to the children in the existing case

For more information about this, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/ChildMaintenance/IfyourealreadyusingtheChildSupportAgency/DG_199035.

A new child maintenance service will be introduced later this year, initially for new cases only. The government is planning to charge for the new service.

After the new scheme is introduced, the CSA will begin to close the cases it currently manages. Parents with CSA cases will be contacted to explain what their options are and what information and support they can access to help them decide on the best child maintenance arrangement for their circumstances.

I hope this has clarified things for you. If you feel that you can reach an agreement with your ex-partner, then a family-based arrangement might be the best option for you, in the short-term and the long-term too.

Family-based arrangements give you the flexibility to agree between you what counts as child maintenance, and to change your agreement as your children get older or your circumstances change.

For more information about family-based arrangements and access to useful tools and forms online you can visit www.cmoptions.org, or if you'd prefer a confidential chat you could call the Child Maintenance Options team on 0800 988 0988 (free from a landline).