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Dear forum,
I have discovered that for a long eriod this year my son was in care (paid for by the state) which was not informed to me. This is obviously a significant change in circumstance and one where his mother has no cost associated with his upkeep.
While he was in care, should I be paying maintenance? Would the court consider a variation considering the mother experienced no costs during this time? I had heard from an NHS care facility that other fathers do not pay maintenence where their children are in care, having already substantially paid taxes and NI that should cover this....!
Thanks!
I think if he is in care for more than 263 nights per year you wouldn't have to pay, it if it was less than that they calculate on the number of overnights and make a reduction. Here's a link to the info, which is on page 29 if I remember correctly.
Hello SwissJohnno
From what you have said, it sounds like you have a Consent order in place. Therefore any change in the amount that you pay would need to be agreed through the court.
The information provided by Mojo is relevant to parents with a statutory maintenance arrangement set up through the Child Maintenance Service.
If your Consent order has been in place longer than 12 months, you could consider altering the terms of it or choosing a new option.
If you would like any further information about the options available to you and to receive a more personalised service, you can contact Child Maintenance Options directly, http://www.cmoptions.org
Regards
William
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