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I got the letter from the CMS today informing me that my ex has made an application naming me. She has elected to use the collect and pay service which deducts payments from my employer and charges me an extra 20% for the pleasure. I see no justification for this, we were together for 14 years and I never once missed a bill payment so she knows I'm good for the payments.
Apparently they will use whatever payment method she wants them too use regardless of my situation or wishes.
Is there anyway I can appeal this?
I've just sent an email to the CSA asking a similar question.
My ex chose to get the payments via the CSA, I have payed on time every time even before the CSA were involved. So in the same way as you're stating, my ex knows I'm good for the payments.
As my ex likes to make things difficult for me, and extra 20% cost to me would be enough incentive for her to forfeit 4%.
Hi both
I am pretty sure that Child Maintenance Service will allow you to go on Direct Pay first of all as that is what I am on,I opened up a case a few months ago and my ex wanted Collect and Pay just to get me charged an extra 20% out of spite so I know how you feel about it as she was not bothered about her losing 4% of it.
I explained to them I have no issues whatsoever supporting my son financially and I am willing to pay,they put my case on Direct Pay after they had worked out what I needed to pay weekly and explained that if I fault on this method then they would start Collect and Pay proceedings which is fair enough.
Phone them and explain that you want to pay for your child and that you have proof that you have always paid for the upbringing of your children (bank statements or receipts) I honestly found them to be very helpful and they fully understood that there are exes that just want to use the Collect and Pay System just to spite the Fathers.
Hope you both get to have a chance to use the Direct Pay System,please let us know how you get on and hope I have helped in any way.
Hi,
The best way to avoid charges is to set up a family-based arrangement and not use the Child Maintenance Service at all. With a family-based arrangement you can make a flexible arrangement that fits your family’s needs and will help both parents avoid fees and charges.
Alternatively you can choose Direct Pay. This is where you agree with the other parent in your case, how and when payments are made. The first step may be to get in touch with your child’s other parent to see what you can agree.
If you have a consistent payment history, you can choose to pay maintenance by Direct Pay without needing the other parent to agree. Get in touch with the Child Maintenance Service and discuss your case with them.
Whilst on Direct Pay, if you do miss a payment the Child Maintenance Service can take action to recover this money and you may be transferred to the Collect & Pay service where you and the other parent in your case will be charged collection fees to handle your payments.
For more information and support on Direct Pay and how to make a family-based arrangement, visit cmoptions.org.
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
William,
Child Maintenance Options Agent
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