The current government is keen for families to reach agreements without the need to utilise what currently is a free service. To deter people from turning to the CSA to assess levels of maintenance and enforce and facilitate child maintenance payments fees will be introduced to use this service going forward.
The BBC recently published the following article:
“The BBC has learned that parents who separate could end up paying hundreds of pounds every year to use the new child support agency.
The proposals could see both parents charged fees on every child maintenance payment made and received through the government service.
Custodial parents would see 12% to 15% deducted from the monthly payment they receive, while non-custodial parents would have an extra 20% added to their payment.”
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12401420
When considering divorce if both parties are in agreement with regard to child maintenance payments it is advised that a financial order be drafted creating a legally binding court order. Doing so protects both parties and secures maintenance payments for the children. Neither party would then have to seek support from the CSA going forward avoiding the potential fees that this could incur if circumstances were to change in the future.
Fasttrack Divorce offer a solicitor drafted financial consent order from as little as £130, this service also includes a private agreement that specifically sets out any agreement made with regard to maintenance payments for the children.
