I am sorry if this has been asked before, but I can't find it if it has. My question (like a lot of others) is when can I stop making CSA payments to my ex.
I have a child who is 14 and a child who is 17, and I have maintained CSA payments since the plan was agreed in 2001. I pay by standing order to the CSA and they pass the money on to my ex. I have full control of how much is paid and when
As I have regular contact with my 14 year old (but not my 17 year old), I am aware that my 17 year old has moved out of my ex’s house and is now living independently on his own, and attends college in full time education.
I assume that my ex will not be entitled to Child Benefit for a child who no longer lives with her, so do I have to continue paying CSA for him?
With my ex telling me that the money I provide is ‘her money’, I doubt that my kids get the full benefit of it and therefore I’d rather pay the money to my 17 year old directly.
My plan is to amend my standing order and pay half of what was arranged. Does anybody see any problems or issues with this before I contact the CSA?
Thanks in advance!
I would contact the CSA, but also can you get anything from your 17 year old to say they do not live with the mother (the incentive is that he/she will get money from you) as the CSA may want evidence. I would certainly say that, for the moment, you could reduce your payments to your ex from 20% of income down to 15% and put the remaining 5% into a savings account - once the CSA agree that you shouldn't be paying any further, then you can give all of the savings to your 17 year old, otherwise, it's there in case the CSA come after you for arrears.