CSA and voluntary "extras"

Hi

Thanks for your post.

With you and the other parent having your own arrangement in place, you can decide between yourselves how much child maintenance you pay, and even what counts as child maintenance. For example, you could agree that your contribution towards School trips counts as child maintenance for your children. This is called a family-based arrangement, and many separated parents find that this type of arrangement is the easiest and most flexible way to sort out child maintenance.

In terms of monetary amounts, you can get an idea what your child maintenance payments would be through the CSA using the Child Maintenance Options calculator. You could also use this amount as a starting point for your family-based arrangement.

If you''d like some more information about how the CSA works out child maintenance, visit direct.gov.uk. For information and support on family-based arrangements'', call the Options team on 0800 988 0988.

Hi

Thanks for your post.

With you and the other parent having your own arrangement in place, you can decide between yourselves how much child maintenance you pay, and even what counts as child maintenance. For example, you could agree that your contribution towards School trips counts as child maintenance for your children. This is called a family-based arrangement, and many separated parents find that this type of arrangement is the easiest and most flexible way to sort out child maintenance.

In terms of monetary amounts, you can get an idea what your child maintenance payments would be through the CSA using the Child Maintenance Options calculator. You could also use this amount as a starting point for your family-based arrangement.

If you''d like some more information about how the CSA works out child maintenance, visit direct.gov.uk. For information and support on family-based arrangements'', call the Options team on 0800 988 0988.

Hi,

Thanks for the post.

It''s good to hear that you''re willing to co-operate with your ex-partner - you''re clearly keeping the welfare of your children in mind, which is a great start. Other people who have been in a similar situation have found that an open and honest conversation with their ex-partner really helps.

I understand that it''s a difficult situation but I would urge you to try and sort things out amicably with your ex-partner, as family-based arrangement (without the involvement of the CSA or the courts) are usually the best option for everyone involved.

For more information about family-based arrangements and access to useful tools and forms online you can visit www.cmoptions.org, or if you''d prefer a confidential chat you could call the Child Maintenance Options team on 0800 988 0988 (free from a landline).