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Hello
As far as I can tell, as a father, I have no rights at all. The CSA do not care about my ex-wifes circumstances, they just want to use a simple calculation to work out what a father should pay his ex. The shocking truth is that the CSA do not take into account the ex's current situation at all. If she earns £100k per annum, with no debts and no financial issues for the kids, the ex husband is STILL accountable for 15% (child 1) or 20% (for both kids) of his income. The system really does suck and so far I have not read any account of anybody addressing this issue here.
I feel this is THE FUNDAMENTAL issue from a finances perspective. I want my kids to be happy, healthy and loved. Which they are. I don't want my wife exercising her "rights" to MY MONEY just because she can ! That is completely unfair.
So, my question is what can I do, as a self employed contractor, to reduce my "CSA criteria assessment for liability" to reduce or remove the ability of my ex to claim money she does not deserve ? One thing I know is possible, is to receive money from investments rather than work income - investment income is not part of CSA criteria.
If anyone would like to contact me separately or work with me separately, then I would be more than happy for the support.
I know this doesn't sound ethical, but the law is not ethical from what I can tell. All help appreciated.
Matt
Hi and welcome
Although your ex may earn more than you, don't forget that you are paying maintenance to support your children, she still has to pay for food, clothing household bills etc so she may not need the money, but you are contributing towards your children's wellbeing.
As for trying to reduce your liability, you are walking into a minefield if you try anything unethical. Your ex can legitimately go for a variation based on diversion of income and she has a good chance of winning, it won't cost her a penny and you could find yourself with substantial arrears to pay, with a much reduced chance of being able to pay off in installments.
You can legitimately pay into a pension, as long as you are paying a reasonable amount - if you start to pay enough that it could be considered a way of substantially reducing your maintenance, then again she can apply for a variation and I think the rules have been changed in the last few years to make this easier.
Hi ACTD
Thanks for the response. I agree re. maintenance for the kids - I too want to make sure they have what they need and in my situation, this need has already been met. I am very happy to be fully responsible for this. But it's when the "primary carer" demands more money than the kids need is where the problem occurs.
We both earn very good money and 20% of my income on top of her income will create a luxury for her which is far and above the requirements of the kids needs. This is the point which really bothers me the most. Especially as I have already fallen into the trap of giving her 60% of OUR wealth in the early part of the separation when things were amicable. She has had more than enough money from me and yet still wants more.
Hence my request for advice for managing my income. I do appreciate the variation advice - I will consider this with my plans very carefully - thank you.
Any other ideas from anyone would be much appreciated openly or privately.
Matt
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