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All,
I am in need of some advice.
I have a child with an ex partner, and someone with whom i dont speak with and havent done in over 15 years. I dont see my child that we have. He turned 16 in August, and as i dont know whether he is in full time education or qualifying educational course, i am not sure how i could verify this, and either keep paying or pull the plug and stop it.
Any help greatly appreciated - government bodies (e.g CMS) havent a clue and dont seem to be able to give me a straight answer. I am paying through an arrangement, and not through the CMS.
Thanks
G.
Do you know how much you are paying compare to what CMS would tell you to pay? If it's broadly similar, you have the option to tell your ex to provide proof he's still in education or you'll stop paying and if she doesn't, then stop paying and the worst she could do is to go to the CMS and open a case.
Alternatively, and if I was in your position, I'd probably do this, stop paying, and open a case yourself with CMS (costs £20 one off fee) and let them sort it out, and while they are doing so, put the money you might be paying aside so you don't suddenly get arrears (from the date you open the case, not before that).
If you are paying less than CMS, then you take a risk that he's still in education, and you might end up paying a higher monthly figure - bear in mind that, with certain exceptions, the school leaving age is now 18.
I agree with what actd has said. It's the only way really to find out without going directly to the mother.
This is my scenario, I unfortunately have no contact with my daughter and do not know where she lives. She has recently finished secondary school as she turned 16 in July. I rang the CMS to find out about when payments stop etc, they said that HMRC will tell them if she is earning I.e she has left school and gone into full time work, I assume this is known as she will be paying tax? Albeit how could they tell if it’s a part time job whilst at college or full time education, unfortunately I’ve had a bad experience with CMS continually miss calculating my monthly payments so I’ve been over paying however that’s not the issue. I’m unsure how I can find out if she is going to secondary education or full time employment?, would anyone have any advice please.
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