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Hello all, I’m new here and after some advice. I have a nearly 16 year old daughter from a previous relationship, we broke up when she was nearly 2 years old. I am now married with 2 children to support, a mortgage and bills to pay. I have a reasonably well paid career which I have done well from by progressing through the company. Maintenance was paid for a long time via child support until it became CMS and we made the decision together that I would pay direct to avoid us paying fees on top. Recently the mom has been asking for more money and now wants to get the CMS involved. I’m sure this is because daughter will be lodging away from next September at college, probably staying at her grandmas house (moms side) and so she wants money to pay her for lodging. Is this something that is reasonable? Should maintenance still be paid if my daughter lodges away for college? Thank you in advance.
I would check the CMS calculator to see what you would pay, as you'll end up paying it any way if she applies to CMS. It's worth you opening the case with CMS (costs £20 oneoff fee) as this means you have more control on when the case is closed. Even though your daughter is living with her grandmother, CMS would almsot certainly take this as the mother being the parent with care, so I would say you would be liable to pay.
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