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Just a bit of background. I came to a private agreement with my ex to pay exactly what the CSA calculator said I should. There have been occasions when I have been asked to provide a bit more for school trips, etc which I have done. I have recently moved job from Ipswich to London meaning my living costs have increased substantially. At the same time I was asked to pay extra to cover gymnastics. I declined as I had to pay for deposits/rent/travel and couldn't afford any extra.
My new job came with a slight wage increase but with my additional living costs I am worse off. Despite this I originally offered an increase in payments but my ex did not accept this and wanted more.
She is now saying the only option is to go through the CSA something I would rather avoid as I've heard some horror stories.
Now, I have no problem providing for my children but this has all come about since my ex had another child with someone else. I have not suggested this to her but can't help feel the money I provide is not just used to provide for my children. Am I within my rights to ask for a list of everything the money is spent on.
Would the CSA take my living expenses in to consideration as well? I'm guessing not but it's worth a try.
Any advice will be gratefully received.
Hi and welcome.
I'm afraid you aren't able to ask for a breakdown of what your ex spends, the basic idea is that your ex can spend the maintenance as she choses (and don't forget, providing a home, electricity, heat, water etc costs money). Equally, your increased living expenses are not taken into account. However, any expenses in excess of £15 per week involved in travelling to maintain contact can be taken off your takehome pay in the calculation of maintenance.
If you have a regular monthly income, then the CSA shouldn't be any problem - they will only calculate from the date your ex asks them to take the case, so there is no sudden arrears to pay. The basic calculation is 15%/20%/25% of takehome for 1/2/3 children (the CSA aren't yet using the calculation based on gross pay) so if your ex won't agree to these, then you should be no worse off by the CSA taking the case.
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