few questions about claiming through CSA

[chels24uk]

I have a strong feeling im going to have to go through the CSA pretty soon to get money from my kids dad. We have a mutual agreement atm, but his first payment is due end of this month and hes already making excuses as to why he cant pay it. I want to avoid CSA, but absent parents SHOULD pay for their children. Im doing everything i can to keep him in his kids lifes even though HES the one who moved over 400 miles away! Getting fed up of chaseing him when he should be the one putting in the effort!
My questions are - how long do these claims usually take? Especially if the non-resident parent isnt co-operating by not responding to the CSA? I have his home and work address and also his NI number.
His hours vary during the year at his new job - between 40 and 50 hours a week depending on whether its a busy season or not. How will this affect my claim?
We have a baby due in May, if i were to make a claim before then, would I have to make a fresh one once baby arrives? What happens?
Also, he recently moved to Scotland.. I dont know if the rules are different over there or not?

 

[shiawase]

Best thing to do is look at the csa website. https://www.csa.gov.uk/

I had a agreement with liams dad it was only £10 a week but he only gave it to me once so i phoned csa just before christmas they said if all goes well i will recieve a payment in feb.

 

[sophiew]

Yeah the websites very helpful, tells you how much they should have to pay. x There's a CSA calculator. x

 

[chels24uk]

Thanks

 

[N1kki]

yeh best bet is a mutual agreement but if he cant even stick to that threaten with CSA action and then start it all.

 

[chels24uk]

we did have a mutual agreement. I done my best to avoid CSA, but he keeps making excuses and ive had enough. so have filled out the forms today x

 

[purpledahlia]

Wont make a difference if hes in scotland!

 

[chels24uk]

why what are the rules over there?

 

[purpledahlia]

Ok i thought you were in England, where is Houghton Regis?

It still shouldnt make a difference if you have all his details and he is working, they will work with the CSA here who look into the tax system to see where hes paying tax etc.

I read a bit on the csa website before about if the other parent goes abroad but i cant find it now, i reckon it will go by your place's rules, do THEY follow people up wherever they are?

 

[chels24uk]

Houghton Regis is England

Im going to call him tonight to give him a final chance as I do still want to keep it friendly and avoid CSA. But dont really think its going to come of anyting... Just dont understand why hes changed so drastically towards his children just because he moved!

 

[purpledahlia]

Ohhh if your in England then its the same, dont worry. They will easily track him down if hes working or on benefits.

 

[N1kki]

yeh wouldnt worry babe,their track him and make sure you get something.

 

[purpledahlia]

That said, they'll only find him if hes paying his taxes!

 

[chels24uk]

i think hes back on the dole. But not sure if he was telling me the truth just to get out of paying (wouldnt put it past him! he wasnt happy with how much i wanted out of him even though it was less than what CSA would go for) i have his work address, NI number and home address so hopefully wont be to much of a problem. Going to post the forms tommorow and go from there. Actually really upset its come to this, but he cant get away with leaving his kids AND not paying a penny.

 

[purpledahlia]

If he's on JSA u'll get £5 a week, but they will find him in the system. If hes working but not declaring it wont matter what details you give as they wont find him ( im in the same position ) But if hes working and his employer is co-operating and hes paying tax they will easily find him.

 

[Linz88]

i made my claim in june and it stil hasnt come threw yet.. they set by end of feb it should..

if he doesnt co-operate with the csa they'll jus contact his work and start taking payments