Child support agency.

[Barney's pal]

I have been fighting a long running battle with the child support agency over maintenence my ex husband has paid to them that they are witholding I am at my wits end and am really really depressed about it. I seems after endless phone calls and even getting my MP involved I have lost the battle. They have treated me like less than human and I have been forced to beg them for the money I'm owed. I've never ever claimed any benefits and work in several jobs to make ends meet. I am too proud to ask my current partner to help out financially. I just feel its all getting on top of me. Is there any support out there ?

[littlewren]

Have you tried speaking to CAB? And how long has this been going on for? It doesn't seem right that they are holding onto money that should be for your child't maintenance. Are they giving you any reasons as to why they will not hand it over? How do you know that the money has been paid to CSA? Would your ex pay the money direct to you by any chance? Try he CAB first, because they are free; after that you might be able to get 30 minutes free advice from a solicitor, but if it's going to be a long battle it's going to cost money. If you live with your new partner, might that be the reason CSA won't hand over the money? I'm afraid I don't know the law on all this, but it doesn't seem right to me. Once you are sure of your facts and have got together all the required paperwork to support it, it might be possible to take CSA to the Small Claims Court, which doesn't cost a great deal of money, and at the same time alert your local press to take an interest. Good luck with it, and please let us know how you are getting on.