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hi im 24 and a dad to a 1 year old little girl and have just split with the partner(she has left and gone to live around the corner with her parents). i really have no idea on who to contact about paying my fair share and how much to pay, is it law to get csa involved or am i within my rights to sort it out with the ex? i have no problems at all in paying and my ex has said she wont stop me seeing my daughter but i just want to sort it as soon as possible, as i dont want to have to back pay or be sunk into debt by my lack of information. any help at all would be great btw my yearly salary is £20,000 if you could at least estimate what i may have to pay, thanks
Hi leepy,
Can i just say what a beautiful little girl you have if thats her in your pic 🙂
CSA
In terms of your "obligations" you would be looking at paying around 15% of your net income or 12% of your gross... based on your £20,000 you will either pay: £249.90 (if £20k is your take home) or £199.95 (if £20k is gross). Please be aware that for every night your daughter stops with you, your contributions per month would be the amount minus 1/7th for every night she stops. The CSA have a range of enforcement powers too. So either be aware or beware...
Private Agreements
When they work they are much better for all concerned. I'd try pitching to your ex partner something along the following lines:
- £125.00 per month by D/D or S/O
- School Uniforms
- £15.00 into a savings account every month (until aged 18/21/25)
- 50% of school trips as can be agreed/50% or more likely for now, 50% of swimming or baby classes (provided you can attend and take part)
- Help with clothing costs now and then (you then have the opportunity to take baby out to get clothes for her, an excellent chance to bond)
Some people would argue that this is stingy based on your pay, however reasonably, your child should also have the opportunity to do activities and go out with you too. Often through the CSA this cripples that chance... i.e. Chester Zoo could cost £100.00.
It should also be noted that, if you are paying maintenance based on a private agreement, this should never be paid in cash... it should be through Standing Order or D/D marked MAINTENANCE [CHILDS NAME].
If your ex decides she wants to approach the CSA because she may realise she could get more money, you could be clear that the CSA very often causes big issues between separated couples and that while you want to be fair, if the CSA is her chosen route, she will only receive this money. Your option allows flexibility and additional support i.e. paying for activities and school trips (later in life). But as always, even if she goes to the CSA, its your choice as to whether you pay anything extra on top.
Hope this helps and hope it stays amicable between you 🙂 best of luck.
Please be aware that for every night your daughter stops with you, your contributions per month would be the amount minus 1/7th for every night she stops.
I'll just clarify that - yoji means for every night per week - the CSA work in blocks of 52 nights per year, so for 52 - 104 nights per year, it would be reduced by 1/7th.
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