Hi I’m an 18 year old currently in his first year of a level 3 course and I’m worrying I’ve got a child on the way (albeit I probably don’t) however when I’ve came to try and understand to myself just incase how the cms works I can’t wrap my head around it it’s making me scared and suicidal thinking what if I do and have arrears even though I’ve got proof that I’ve payed but they don’t take the proof into account I’m on anti depressants because of all this and I’ve spoken to my dad who pays cms and he has told me they can only take within your means and i just can’t wrap my head around everything being only 18 and not had a job yet I really don’t understand the arrears part of everything it’s scaring me like can they just leave me with not enough to pay for essentials such as food and bills and as I said before will they give me the opportunity to prove I’ve payed
Hi
Best place to start is to look at the cms website to research and get your head round it.
Payments are only due from when a case is opened at the cms, which if it was then you would have been sent a letter and so know about it and of course then know about the child too.
If you haven't received anything then don't worry. If you want to know more in the meantime then take a look online.
All the best.
Hi, try not to worry.
If you are going to be a dad, the mother would have to name you on the birth certificate would have to go to the CMS to start a claim.
The CMS make a calculation based on your salary and how many overnights per week you have your child (shared care). They can't suddenly dump a letter on your doorstep demanding lots of arrears - the payments would only start from when they inform you.
how we work out Child Maintenance: