Child Maintenance

[louise jones]

My friend's grandson turned 16 last week, her son has been paying maintenance since him and his ex-partner split a few years ago.
The grandson is joining the Army next month and my friend's son wants to know if the maintenance should still be paid to the ex-partner as the boy will be earning his own money and not living at home so she will not be 'keeping' him.
My friend's son would rather put the money into a bank account directly for his son as he knows his ex uses the money on herself rather than the boy, but because he loves his son he always gives in to her requests for more money (for trainers, clothes etc) even though he gives her the amount that the court told him to, she always wants more.
Legally, can he set up an account for his son and stop paying the ex-partner as the boy will be earning his own wage. Please help, I have tried looking on the CSA site but no help!

[bednobs]

yes, usually maintenance is paid until the child is 16 or under 19 but still in fulltime education. it makes perfect sense to stop the payments, but he will hve to contact csa because there is no point in getting into trouble with them.

What does the court order say?

[weekendwanda]

It depends whether this is a CSA assessment or a Court Order. In either case maintenance is usually no longer payable once the young person has ceased full time education.
CSA can continue to 19 same as child benefit but stops after statutory school leaving age unless in full time education.
Court orders vary in what they say. For instance can say until the age of 17 years or until completes full time secondary/tertiary education whichever be the later. If this is what the order says he should stop on the 17th birthday.
If in doubt he should see a solicitor

[louise jones]

Im not sure what the court order says but surely if the boy is working full time and not in education then his dad shouldnt have to pass money to his mum.
He still wants to give his son money ie in a bank account but just not via his mum!