Welcome to the DAD.Info forum: We are not open to new posts at this time
Our forum aims to provide support and guidance where it can, however we may not always have the answer. The forum is not moderated 24 hours a day, so If you – or someone you know – are being harmed or in immediate danger of being harmed, call the police on 999.
Alternatively, if you are in crisis, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are worried about you or someone you know is at risk of harm, please click here: How we can help
I have a court order for payment of child maintenance to my 2 sons
I have paid this maint religiously for 11 years now, my eldest son however is now 18
Yesterday he started an apprenticeship for Mercedes earning pretty decent money, the question is as he will attend college for 1 day a week does this still constitute full time education ?
Are there any other factors to take in to account ?
My ex works part time and claims tax credits, losing £350 a month will be significant and it does concern me how the loss of such a high sum of money will affect my youngest's life.
I may be many things but I'm not a heartless bar steward
Thank you
Mark
Hi,
I would say that since your son is now in full time employment, then he is no longer in full time education, but only part time. After so long, I would say that you could have the maintenance reassessed by CSA, who would have no 'interest' in your oldest son anyway, so you wouldn't have to pay maintenance for him.
However, it sounds as though you aren't trying to pay the minimum possible, so I would say that your best choice is to negotiate with your ex over what you pay, as long as it is more than the CSA minimum.
One other thought, since your eldest is now earning a decent income, it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to contribute something towards the household by way of a modest rent.
Hi Leroysboots,
Give Child Maintenance Options a ring - they should be able to give you all the advice you need.
Here are their contact details:
Call Child Maintenance Options in confidence on freephone*
0800 988 0988 From 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday / From 9 am to 4 pm Saturday
Visit Options online at http://www.cmoptions.org
Visit the Child Maintenance Options blog online at http://cmoptions.wordpress.com/
* Calls to 0800 numbers are free from BT landlines but you may have to pay if you use another phone company, a mobile phone, or if you are calling from abroad.
- Samaritans – call 116 123
- Shout – text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258
