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Just rang the CSA and they said they can't calculate anything unless I actually go through them.
But I just said i currently pay £200 a month to her, but my travel expenses will be £130 a month also to see my son, he said they would deffinatly take that into consideration and lower the payment but couldnt guarentee because I was paying it my self.
So can I reduce the payment of £200, to help with my travel ?
You can google CSA calculator and work out what you should be paying, although I believe they take a certain amount of your travel expenses into what you pay so that you pay less.
Have you had a look at the sticky at the top of this section, it's called "how does the CSA calculate payments" ....it links to a useful CSA leaflet that explains this in a little more depth.
Yeah I have done the calculator online but it doesn't ask if you have travel costs. I have also read the leaflet and it isn't very clear hence me ringing, I think ill just stick to what I'm doing for now !
There are others on here more capable with the CSA including a CSA consultant...so you will probably get more help/advice soon 🙂
Hello mjtefc9
Thank you for your recent post. I am William, the Child Maintenance Options consultant.
You have indicated that you have a mutual agreement with your son's mother. We call this a family-based arrangement where parents can decide between themselves who will provide what for their children. You and your son's mother may wish to negotiate between you if your travel costs will be taken into account, as there are no strict rules to follow. A family-based arrangement is not legally binding but it gives you and your son's mother the flexibility to change your arrangement if either of your circumstances change.
You have mentioned in another post that you have used the CSA's calculator to work out a figure. Although, it does not take into account your travel cost's it is a good starting point when negotiating a family-based arrangement. If you would like help renegotiating your family-based arrangement, our child maintenance calculator can give you a figure that you would expect to pay through the CSA. You can find this on our website at http://www.cmoptions.org/en/calculator/calculator.asp.
If you wish to follow the guidelines set out by the Child Support Agency (CSA) then they can take into account reasonable travelling expenses. However, how much they take into account would depend on your personal circumstances and if you had an application with them. You can further information about how the CSA calculate child maintenance from the following link: http://www.gov.uk/childmaintenance.
We have a sorting out separation web-app that you may find useful, it offers help and support to separated families. You can find this at: http://www.dad.info/divorce-and-separation/sorting-out-separation.
To find out more about how Child Maintenance Options can help you visit: http://www.cmoptions.org. If you would prefer a friendly and confidential chat, please give the team a call on 0800 988 0988.
- Samaritans – call 116 123
- Shout – text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258
