I'm paying CSA, the mortgage and a secured loan! Can I reduce payments?

[steve31]

Hi all,

 

I split with my ex some 6 years ago and since then I have paid CSA of £450 per month (4 kids so 25% of my take home pay of £1800 as it was then!), I have also been paying the full mortgage, a secured loan and the Home Insurance for the house I do not live in.

 

As I write this I can see I am being too generous. I do however get on fine with my ex and I see it as me paying for a roof over the kids heads not hers.I also have no problems seeing my kids anytime I want. However, I am now in dire financial trouble and am looking for ways to reduce my outgoings. I simply do not have enough income now my new partner has lost her job.

 

I actually now take home approx £2000 but the CSA payment has never been amended. I was wondering, legally do I need to increase the payment to £500 as I am paying the mortgage and secured loan (which was for home improvements before we split).

 

I actually pay out £1200 per month to CSA, the loan, the mortgage and the Home Insurance, oh I just remembered I pay both out Life Insurance too!! I'm therefore left with £800 per month to live on.

 

I know some will say stop paying the mortgage, however she cant afford it and I believe I legally have to keep a roof over the kids heads? It also only has 10 years left before it is paid so I don't want to sign it over to her as I'll lose my share of the equity. On another note, although it is in joint names she has never paid a penny towards it.

 

So I guess my question is, should I approach the CSA? Is it possible to deduct the mortgage and secured loan from the £2000 and end up with me paying less? I simply cant sustain the £450 let alone increasing it!

 

Thanks in advance. Steve

[Rachie1973]

I believe (and I'm not an expert) they will simply adjust your CSA on your wages if you get them to review it. You don't have to pay the mortgage and the home insurance and it's unlikely they'll even bother taking it into account

 

Its awful I know. How I wish my kids Dad was as conscientious as you. I get £320 for the 4 of them and not a penny more lol, he doesn't see them either, despite having full access and support from me.

 

I know you want to pay for the roof over their head but they do have 2 parents and it's not fair that you do it all. If you and the ex get on ok could you approach her about reducing it? She seems reasonable from what you say.

[steve31]

I guess I thought this would be the case. We probably get on well because she knows she is getting it good from me! However, my new relationship is under pressure because of it.

 

I guess I'll go to her and ask her to take on the insurance payments.

[Ros1609]

The CSA would adjust your payment and not take the mortgage etc into account therefore you'd be paying more each month not less. I would speak to your ex about taking on some of the insurance policies or at least shopping around for cheaper ones

[Rachie1973]

Oh A southend supporter, just noticed. Are you going to Wembley? My other half booked his tickets today. Soz back to topic x

[somethingelseplease]

In regards to having a higher wage but the CSA don't know

 

Can they do checks or do they just leave you to keep paying as long as the payments are made

 

Or can the bitter other half ask for a review?

[Ros1609]

Your ex can ask for a review at any time so TBH its better to be honest to avoid a huge back payment

[somethingelseplease]

Fingers crossed she doesn't then

 

If it happens I'll cross that bridge when it comes to be honest