My ex partner failed to show up at court re arrears of £3,500 so the next course of action was to bring the bailiffs in I was then threatened with his suicide and contacted the csa to request instead of going for the full amount could they take the money in installments. They advised teh only way to stop bailiff action would be for me to arrange a private arrangements and suspend payment which is what I done. I received £10 per fortnight whilst he was unemployed and then £40 per week once he secured employment. However there has now been a breakdown with the arrangement due to him only paying when he feels like it and not making any attempt to pay the arrears so I have now tried to reinstate my claim with csa 3 weeks ago. I called Fri for an update and was told that the 7 months of money I received now pays off arrears from the past 7 years! i just cant believe this is the case I dont understand how the csa can say my daughter wasn't entitled to anything over the last 7 month and the money I received was simply to pay off arrears which he accumulated over 7 years due to "job hopping" and with holding info. I feel like i have been forced into a corner either private arrangement or ex's suicide I could only consider one option and now me and my daughter are being penalised. I'm just wondering if anyone else has been in a similar position or anyone can advise.