CSA and voluntary "extras"

It doesn''t have to be included but with plans for the CSA charging it might be the cheapest option.

But what if I continue to pay as I do now without the CSA,merely by a monthly standing order direct to my stbx?

Just because it written in a Consent Order that you will be paying cm in accordance with the CSA rules doesnt mean you have to pay via the CSA.

If you have the cm written into a consent order you have to pay that amount for at least a year and after that either one of you can apply to the CSA to amend the amount,

For example my partner pays slightly more than the CSA rate, the amount he pays at the moment is in his consent order, so neither he or his ex can apply to the CSA for a least a year.

Depending on the aspirations off both parties child support can be agreed voluntarily or as part of a consent order or through the CSA. The CM Options has information about the various options and tools to assist separated parents make their own child maintenance agreements.

When child maintenance is agreed as part of a consent order either party can apply to the CSA for an assessment 12 months after the order was made and the consent order ceases to have any effect in respect of child maintenance. However the Government is proposing to introduce charges so an applicant would pay a charge for the assessment and there would be further charges for collecting maintenance. See;-

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/childrens-futures-consultation.pdf