CSA

[schmoo76]

Hi,

I am currently paying Child maintenance for my daughter, initially it was set up through CMS but when the new rules came in myself and my ex partner set up a private arrangement. My daughter is now 18 years old. She has just left her college course and next week she is signing up to get universal credit whilst she is looking for a job. When do I stop paying child maintenance? I have looked for this information on various sites but am finding conflicting information, some saying as soon as she is no longer in full time education and some saying it ends in August after the final school year. She left school at 16 and completed an NVQ at college, enrolled for level 2 NVQ that started in September but has now changed her mind and wants a job.

[taz_in_2001]

Hi,
It is usually once they turn 16 or if they continue in school/college/uni it is 20. If your daughter has left education then there is no need to pay maintenance anymore. I would contact CMS and explain the situation regardless of a private arrangement.

[jaguarsuk]

I would say your obligation has ended because she has left education.

However, you have come to an amicable agreement with your ex and in the interests of remaining that way you might consider telling your ex that you will pay until she receives her first UC payment because until then you recognise as parents you both have to provide for her until she has her own income.

However, you'll be stopping once she gets UC because at that point it is up to your ex what digs she asks your daughter for from her income, whether that's UC or a salary when she gets a job.

If you have a Waitrose or John Lewis where you live I'd advise she looks if they have any opportunities, it may not be her preferred job, but the pay and conditions for her age are exceptional.

And then she can work on getting her preferred or 'dream job' while being well paid and treated very well.