Hi
I've got a question that i cant find the answer to anywhere.
I'm a NRP and have been paying maintenance for 2 children (now 9yrs & 16yrs) through the CSA since 2010 via direct debt and have paid every month.
I have no contact with either of the children or the mother.
On xmas day my CSA case was closed and I have moved onto the CMS direct pay system (opted for by both parties).
I informed the CMS that I have absolutely no way of getting the bank details from the mother, they told me 'no problem' they would obtain the details on my behalf.
Since then, they have spent the whole of January trying to make contact with her but have found that the mobile number she provided is wrong and is not responding to any letters that they have written to her.
I continue to ring the CMS every 2 weeks for an update but have told conflicting information.
Two case advisors have told me to put the money calculated aside each month indefinitely until such time as the mother requests it.
The other case advisor has told me that if she fails to respond, then our case will be closed.
my questions are:-
Is there a definitive time scale in which the RP is allowed to ignore the CMS requests for bank details?
Are there no repercussions for the RP as there would be for NRP if they behaved in this manor?
HI just had the same thing happen to me,, Best advice is if the person with care does not want the child maintenance , then let the CSA close it. mine was closed in October due to no response .
Take a copy of the CSA case closed letter and send it to the children's doctor to place on file. if there is any problems you have done what is required to support your children.
Ask the GP to acknowledge your request.
Hope that helps
Hi and thanks
its a crazy situation, you'd think that the mother would want whats best for the kids, I've been paying for 7 years, she worked out that i would pay more if i had no access.
I'm just concerned that i'm the one who will get in to trouble for late payments or in a couple of years she'll decide that she will have the money and i'll get a massive bill.
how long did you have to wait with no response until the CSA decided that they would close your case?
also did they say to you, if they reopened a new case against you, would they back date any / all missed payments to when your original case closed?
Hi There,
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I would put the money to one side, I'm sure the CMS will let you know that the case has been closed I'm not sure how long this will take though.
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My view would be that by putting the money to one side, you will have one of two things either a lump sum fr yourself to use if and when they close the case, or if you continue to put the same amount to one side every month, until the children reach 18, you would have a lump sum to give to your children if you are able to make contact with them, it would show them that you have always been thinking of them and thier future and hopefully help mend the bridges that your ex has helped to break.
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I know that money isn't the answer to mending bridges, but hopefully the explination that you have put this money aside for them every month as thier mother didn't want it, would help them to realise that you have been thinking of them even if you haven't been seeing them.
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GTTS
CMS will not close the case if the RP does not respond...the case advisors were correct...you will be expected to keep the money aside until such times the RP contacts CMS to enquire about payments. It is likely a RP that has opened case will eventually contact CMS to report no payments received....may also request the collect &pay service at that stage. If you are contacted at a future date about missed payments, make it very clear you never received the RPs bank details...avoid your case changing to the collection service as you will be charged a few by CMS 20% more.