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OK guys I found you through google and I need some advise as I don't know what to do apart from break down in tears.
I have an ex partner who has appeared on the scene after 13 years of not talking to saying that she has a child to me, which I understand that I should make a contribution to her for the child, and im not shy away from that.
My only issue is I am a single dad looking after my 2 children (2 and 3) while working full time. I earn 1400 a month after tax and after everything has been paid ie rent / ct / gas / elec / water I have around 300-400 a month spare to feed me and the two children, who I get no support off from the mother.
CMA are asking for 200-250 a month which would mean I cannot support the two that I look after full time . I have asked the mother to drop the amount on a family base agreement but so far she has blanked me. is there a way of getting the amount means tested Im not saying I will not pay but It needs to be a fair amount
Unfortunately, child maintenace is calculated on the amount of gross income, a paying parents outgoings arent taken into account. For one child that would be about 12% of your gross income.
Have they made a reduction for the two children that live with you? They should make a reduction of 14% of your gross income, before making the calculation of 12% of the reduced amount.
For example, if you earn £400 a week before tax, they would reduce that by 14%. 14% of £400 = £56. They would deduct £56 from £400 = £344. This is the figure that they would calculate the child maintenace on and for one child that is 12%. 12% of £344 is £41.28 and this is the amount that you would be asked to pay each week.
It might be helpful to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice and support, if you are having difficulty communicating with the CMS, they can also check that the amount you're being asked for has been calculated correctly.
Best of luck
thanks I will give them a call on Monday regarding this as even that is a push to pay but could do it
Here's the CMS guidelines on how they calculate CM, it might be helpful for you to have it to hand when talking to them.
Best of luck
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