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I'm after some advice/clarity on the matter of paying child maintenance.
I have 2 children with my ex and an agreement was set up via a consent order when we separated. My oldest is nearly 18 and recently joined the Army, I, therefore, amended the monthly payments to reflect the change for this month, including the days he was 'home' before leaving. As expected the ex is furious with me and has stated I still need to pay until he is 18 and what he is doing is classed as training. Where do I stand? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am not looking to dodge anything, I've not missed a payment for the past 15+ years but I am not wanting to be taken for a mug either. Thanks.
I would have a word with child maintenance options to get their opinion - this link might help - I thought that joining the armed forces was a reason that payment could stop, but I'm not certain on that, so it's definitely worth getting an expert opinion
@bun5enuk hi, I saw your post and am in the same sort of situation. My son is 17 and has joined afc harrogate, army college not a football team lol
He is paid but it is training. He comes home to his mother in term time only
Do ypu know if I should still being paying maintenance. I've never missed a payment and willing to accept the answer no matter the outcome
Cheers Rob
Hi Rob,
As I mentioned in the post, I double-checked with a CMS advisor and they said I no longer needed to pay as it's classed as full-time employment and he was receiving a salary. The waters maybe a little muddier with the Army College, check if it's classed as full-time education, another thing to check is if the mother is still receiving child benefit, if they are then I believe you still need to be paying. Another point to this is he is no longer living at home so do you need to provide support, if it's amicable offer to support while he is at her's term time.
Hi, thanks for the reply.
Such a grey area, and the the army have yet to say anything. Understandably they probably don't want to get involved.
Will just have to stay on hold little longer to confirm. Training is classed as unpaid which he is.
As far as I know her benefits for him have stopped as he has left full time education, he did a year at college. She was desperate for him to stay as she is now 200 light a month and was even threatening him rent for his room evenwhile he was away. Guess actions like that answer the question.
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