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I’ve been paying child maintained for a child Ive never met (a long story) who is now in his teens There have been times when I’ve been unable to pay and been in arrears then caught up, but have been back on regular payments recently. I’m not in touch with either mother or child.
Today I received an unexpected letter from cms saying that my cms is now closed as the mother is no longer the parent with day to day care of the child. This is dated from the beginning of October last year.I called the cms today who wouldn’t really give me any info except to say they can ‘confirm the child is no longer living at the address.’ I asked why it’s take 4 months to let me know and they said it could be due to them investigating the circumstances. They said that it’s possible a new claim could be put in place by a person with care in the future.
So this leaves me in a situation not knowing really where I’m up to. Has anyone else been in a situation like this? Has anyone had a new claim opened by a different person who has day to day care that they don’t know? I believe (name change on the cms claim) she got married and I’m not sure if she’s decided to longer take money to ensure I don’t get in touch (which was what was absolutely her intention when the child was born, I found out about the birth via csa letter).
I’m presuming I just sit and wait to see if a different claim comes in, but wanted to see if anyone had been through similar circumstances.
Thanks in advance
It must be difficult for you not knowing what the situation is. I guess the only option you have is to wait and see. It could be that your child has gone to live with a maternal grandparent or other family member, this does happen. Alternatively, if she has married, it might be that her husband has adopted the child, in which case you wouldn't be liable to pay any maintenance from that point.
If you wanted to, you could think about applying for Parental Responsibility through the court, it would entail applying for a seek and find order first, but the CMS can be ordered to give her address to the. Court to allow the application to move forward.... of course this would only be worthwhile if you wanted to establish contact with your. Child. Something to think about perhaps.
All the best
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