How much should I pay for my 3 children?

May 10, 2008

When you have children by more than one partner you may wonder how much you should pay each ex partner for the children they have. Eric Connoly has emailed us to ask that question.

Eric says:

I have two children with one partner and we split up 5 years ago. I pay her £350 per calender month in an informal agreement plus incidentals ( shoes, clubs etc.)

My new partner left me and I have been contacted by the CSA on her behalf concerning maintenance for our son.

How can i find out how much I will pay and how to be fair to all three children?

Any advice will be gratefully received.

Many thanks, Eric

Generally Eric if you have three children, which you say that you do, you will be expected by the CSA to pay 25% of your income (after tax) to the CSA for them. This would be divided between the children.

As you say you were paying £350 per month for your two children with your first partner, according the the CSA you should have been paying her 20% of your income.

This does mean that your first partner should get less now than what she was receiving before, as instead of getting 20% she’ll be receiving a 2/3 share of 25%.

Make sure though that you inform the CSA that you are paying for your first two children. They will most likely want to get involved there themselves and take a cut of the money.

That’s how they operate I’m afraid.

If you don’t tell them however you may end up paying too much and not be able to afford it.

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