Who am I?
On 13th August 2009, I received a call around 18:15 from a non-disclosed number asking me to confirm my name, address, date of birth and national insurance number. Having been unwilling to divulge any personal details, the caller let it be known that she was from the Child Support Agency (CSA) and that my ex-partner had lodged a maintenance claim.
For many reasons (which will become clear as this story unfolds), the claim came as a complete surprise and it set in motion a seven-year dispute that continues to cause me considerable distress and suffering.
Who should read this blog?
This blog is primarily for Non Resident Parents (NRP) such as myself. My experiences will be all too familiar for many who visit this site but despite my anguish, anger and despair, there are some very important lessons to be learned.
What is the purpose of this blog?
It is my hope that this blog will: –
- become the authoritative record that forces a legislative change in social policy
- open the floodgates for NRP’s to raise successful legal actions against the Agency
- be of keen interest to lawyers, academics, politicians and advisory bodies
- give much needed help and support to all NRP’s
Blog Frequency
It is my intention to blog at least once every 15 days outlining the events that have shaped my case which will evidence the systemic failings of both the agency and the appeal bodies. I will evidence that CMEC knowingly act unlawfully; that the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) is anything but independent and the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) serves Whitehall rather than the interests of the individual whom they are entrusted to protect.
Future Blogs
The following is a rough timetable of my future postings: –
- CMEC – Know your “Enemy” (This will look at the history of the CSA, their powers and how they operate)
- Initial engagement – The do’s and don’ts (What you can expect from the Agency)
- Clean break settlements – What do they mean? (What legal rights do they afford?)
- Appealing the award – What to do if you disagree with the maintenance calculation
- Debt enforcement – What action is the Agency prepared to take?
- Court action – Defending yourself in the Magistrates court
- Appealing the magistrates decision – What is the process
- Personal impact – How does the Agency leave you feeling?
- Financial redress – What are you entitled to and what you will be offered
- PHSO and their role – What happens if you are not appropriately compensated
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
Taking on Child Support 