CSA/C-MEC
We are nationally recognised as being experts in the field of claims relating to child support. Stephen Lawson is a member of the Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association) National Committee for child support affairs. He has submitted evidence to the House of Commons Department for Work and Pensions Select Committee investigation into Child Support Reform as well as being involved in many of the leading cases against the Child Support Agency.
We can help with:
- Assessments
- Appeals at tribunals or Commissioners
- Claims for compensation from the CSA
- Court hearings
- Arrears claims
We have represented ‘parents with care’ and ‘non-resident parents’ alike challenging the CSA throughout the UK and have represented clients at the High Court, the Court of Appeal and European Court of Human Rights.
We have had cases reported in the Times, Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, Observer and numerous other journals. Our clients have also appeared on the BBC, GMTV, Sky and national and local radio.
Parents with care:
At Forshaws Davies Ridgway, we have recovered many child support 'special payments' on behalf of parents with care where performance has been inadequate or unacceptable.
William, of Helsby, made an application for maintenance to the CSA. The CSA had lost his application and failed to send out assessment forms to his former wife for approximately 12 months. We successfully made a claim to the CSA who themselves paid the arrears of maintenance by way of a 'special payment'.
We represented Kathleen, of Runcorn. The CSA prepared an assessment but allowed substantial arrears of maintenance to accrue which it did not attempt to recover. The non-resident parent died and the CSA claimed to have no powers to cover the arrears from his estate. We threatened to sue the CSA and the CSA paid the arrears and costs.
We secured an advance payment of maintenance for Jo in the sum of £27,000.00 – after the Parliamentry Ombudsman had concluded that a payment of £600.00 was reasonable
Martin, of Chester, had care of his children. The CSA allowed over £50,000 of arrears of maintenance to arise. They made an agreement with the non-resident parent to accept repayment at the rate of £5 a week. We successfully instituted Judicial Review proceedings against the CSA who reconsidered the decision and the arrears were recovered in one lump sum.
Our client, J.S. says "Without the intervention from Forshaws Davies Ridgway for my case against the CSA I doubt I would have received any money at all. I am extremely grateful for your dedication and hard work and finally after waiting 5 years I am now receiving regular payments. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You".
Non-resident parents:
At Forshaws Davies Ridgway, we have obtained orders against the CSA on behalf of non-resident parents where their performance has been inadequate or unacceptable.
Peter found out he had a liability order against him even though Peter said that he didn't know about the hearing. We had the order set aside and forced the CSA to pay Peter's legal costs.
Martin forgot to attend Court for a Liability Order hearing. He was ordered to pay £11,000.00 arrears. We had the Order set aside in its entirety and the CSA were ordered to pay his legal costs.
The CSA said James was the father of Child A, which he disputed. The CSA informed James that they would take payments out of his wages. We stopped the CSA enforcement action and embarked upon paternity resolution procedures.
Derek of Chester called when bailiffs turned up at his property to seize his goods for alleged non-payment of CSA maintenance. We had the Court order set aside and the CSA had to pay Derek's legal costs.
