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Hi guys
First of all I want to wish all the dads here the best of luck in this ongoing pandemic. I can't imagine what some of you must be going through with your jobs.
On to my question,
6 years ago I split with my ex. we set up a private arrangement for child support, the following months I began to struggle financially and was late on a few payments by a couple of days. Naturally the CMS saw I was struggling and decided collect and pay was the best way forward...
Fast forward to now and my ex has moved with the kids (have not seen them in 5 years) and I have no way of getting in touch. I have become debt free and I'm now stable in terms of my life.
Am I to pay fees until the kids have reached the criteria for not receiving it? Or can I request I be moved to direct pay somehow as I have cleared all arrears some years ago.
Seems harsh to forever pay fees for a few late payments over 5 years ago.
Any help would be appreciated!
hi
I would contact CMS and tell them exactly what you've said on here - I agree, if you can pay in future without any issues, I don't see that you should have to remain on collect and pay,
Hi
Thanks for sharing your situation.
I would agree that you should call CMS as soon as you can or log into the self service portal if you have a case number etc and provide them with the change in your circumstances which would mean you can make direct payments.
In my experience they prefer the direct payment route. Let them know and they can write to your ex and then can arrange the direct pay for the case going forward. They usually like you to be able to show you can keep up the direct pay route for at least 6months once it’s referred back to direct pay, otherwise you could face needing the approval of the ex to keep direct pay in place, so as long as you keep on track it should be ok.
It’s important that both parents communicate with CMS to work out the best solution and you have every right to contact them to tell them what you are able to do as your intention is to pay. They should be able to help you further.
Hope that helps!
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