[Solved] CSA Tribunal - Disclosure

Hi I'm afraid I don't have experience of a CSA Tribunal, hopefully one of our other members might be able to offer some more advice.

It's probably worth contacting your local CAB to find out where your nearest Welfare Rights centre is, many of them offer representation for Tribunals and will be able to help you prepare and attend with you.

I used a CSA tribunal about 8 years ago, so I'm not sure if they are still the same. It was pretty informal (though my ex was too "ill" to attend), and they ruled against her because of what she was trying to do (avoid paying any maintenance at all). They need information to base a decision on, so it is only reasonable that they expect you to provide information to allow this. As long as your accounts are in order, and reasonably tie in with your personal bank accounts, and all of that supports your current lifestyle, I wouldn't expect it to be a grilling, more that they may want some points clarifying if they aren't clear. As long as you aren't trying to hide anything from them, I don't think you should have anything to worry about.

Thanks for the replies. I've now had the letter from court and they basically require my entire financial history for the last three years, even though the assessment being disputed relates to 12/13. It's crazy.

I really need some help, I can't be the only one here who's been through this? Can anyone recommend a solicitor/company who specialise in this area?

On a lighter note, my ex doesn't seem to have coughed to the extra money I gave her on a monthly basis (by bank transfer, into an account in her name) during that time over the CSA assessment before she got really nasty and went for the jugular. Surely the panel will take that into consideration??

I have until end Oct to get help before it needs to be submitted.

Hi again

You can try contacting your local CAB, they will hold details of all local solicitors or local advice agency workers who might be able to assist you,

If you have proof of payments you have made to your ex that she hasn't disclosed, these should be taken into consideration.

Another option to a solicitor is to look for a lawyer qualified McKenzie Friend who might have experience in that area but make sure you ask for recommendations before engaging anyone's services.

Good luck

The CSA don't take into account extra payments you may have made, but a tribunal has the option to be more flexible so in fact a tribunal might well work in your favour, and the whole thing could backfire on her.

Has anyone heard of Durham Legal Services? They seem to be the expert in CSA matters, particularly tribunals.

Finding this whole thing really stressful, and my ex is till making life a misery on a daily basis via social media - you'd think she'd be bright enough to leave it alone while this is going on wouldn't you?

Sadly I don't think I'm that lucky, with the extra payments, continuous abuse and trying to wreck my business you'd think I couldn't 'lose' but I'm just not that hopeful.

I've not heard of Durham Legal Services before, however, I would suggest reading this through - it might inform your decision and give you some options

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=1955909

Make sure you read the whole thread.

It gets better, having spoken to NACSA it seems my ex will see everything I submit to the court that they have requested in their Directions including my bank statements. How is that fair or ok? Surely there is a Data Protection issue here?

My ex is so vindictive that I dread to think what she'd do if she had those to hand. I can see them being plastered all over the internet for starters ...

I have no problem giving them to the court, but certainly not her.

Hi,

You can contact the Court stating Data Protection as an issue. Ultimately, I would have thought the CSA acting as "middle-man" and judge and jury would be the only party (other than a Judge) needing to see it. If everything tally's up.

I would write a Notice letter to the Courts to advise of your serious concerns of how this information could become used for malicious purposes. The Court may be able to include a stipulation that if she is party to the information she must not disclose any information on it. The difficulty of course is that she will spread it to anybody.

Contact the Court your case is appearing at.

I've done exactly that this afternoon stating very clear and reasonable reasons for it and giving them a deadline to respond well in advance of the due date for the disclosures.

I'm sure they will either take great offence that I have the audacity to question them, or ignore it entirely (my preferred option come the second hearing 'Well, I wrote to you on .... but ... etc')

*Sigh*