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CSA advice forum » Child Support Agency

1. mallyman
   Member
   
   

   Hi All,

   I am trying to sort an issue out with the CSA as they claim that I'm a non compliant parent. In Dec '05 they sent me a letter advising me a claim has been placed that I'm the father of a child. I instantly called them and disputed the claim and asked for a DNA test as well as confirmation of the name on the birth certificate for the father. The CSA agent in 2005 said this would need to be checked and they would come back to me with any further action required from myself if they need to proceed. It reached June '06 and nothing came from them and I moved out. Having not heard anything from the CSA I assumed that the issue was finished.

   I am now told that I am classed as non compliant as they now decide to contact me again but now claim to have had no communication initially so won't assist with a DNA test or look into the birth certificate details.

   I attempted to speak with the Citizens Advice Bureau about this and they say it is beyond their remit of support and that they won't help. As you can imagine, I am struggling to see a way to get help as the CSA only want the money and go back on their word, CAB won't help as it's too much for them and I can't afford to organise a solicitor.

   I keep getting swapped from person to person at the CSA and keep explaining my story and each person changes on what they say my options are. The most positive I got from one phone call was to be told that if I could prove when I left the old house that they would look on me as not ignoring their letters and would help me sort out DNA testing. I went away and got the proof paying the letting company for a copy of my records and rang CSA today to be told that this wouldnt help me.

   Can anyone offer any words of advice or offer any advice from experience? It would be much appreciated.

   Posted 1 year ago #

2. Nicolai
   Member
   
   

   Hi Mallyman,

   I'm afraid this isn't going to be good news for you, however it needn't be terrible, you just have to understand what may happen..

   First of all, if you are not sure the child is yours, you are going to need a DNA test, find out which office your case is at, then call and write to that office pointing out that you asked for a DNA test in the first instance, and you have moved address and not recieved the letters they sent (They will say you should of told them you were moving) This is not going to be easy, so you need to write to them and also send copies to the Chief Exec of the CSA, and the complaints department, showing that you mean business.

   If the CSA still refuse to give you the DNA test as it has been 5 years since the case began, you need to speak to the mother and arrange it between yourselves, and pay for it yourself (About £300 as it needs to be with a company the CSA recognise, ie: Cellmark). Hopefully you can get your ex partner to agree to this.

   One final thing, if you are the father, you are going to have arrears back-dated to 2005, and that will be a whole different kettle of fish.

   Good luck!

   Posted 1 year ago #

3. prohonesty2010
   Member
   
   

   they wont pay for a test or arrange one for you under these circumstances unless you get your mp involved and even then they may still refuse- best bet is contact cellmark ( dna testing company) they are the ones the agency use- get a dna test done yourself and find out one way or the other- if you are not in touch with the mother anymore then you will just have to start complaints process, appeal, get your mp involved etc.

   Posted 1 year ago #

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