Common Issues

• Paying parent hides income.
• Self-employed income appears artificially low.
• Dividends/company structures reduce assessable income.
• CMS uses outdated HMRC figures.

What You Can Do

You can ask for:

• A mandatory reconsideration
• A variation (special review of income)

A variation may apply if the paying parent:

• Has unearned income
• Uses company assets personally
• Diverts income through a business
• Has lifestyle inconsistent with declared earnings

Official guidance:
Challenge a Child Maintenance Decision

2. Self-Employed Parent Problems

This is one of the biggest complaints about CMS.

Typical Problems

• Income declared very low
• Cash-in-hand work
• Limited company salary manipulation
• Deliberate reduction of earnings

Evidence That Helps

Gather:

• Social media evidence of lifestyle/business activity
• Companies House filings
• Property ownership
• Vehicle ownership
• Advertising/business websites
• Bank statements (where available legally)

Official company records:
Companies House

3. Non-Payment of Child Maintenance

Common Situations

• Parent refuses to pay
• Frequent missed payments
• Stops paying after job change
• Uses Direct Pay to avoid records

CMS Enforcement Powers

CMS can:

• Deduct directly from wages
• Take money from bank accounts
• Use bailiffs/enforcement agents
• Apply for driving licence suspension
• Apply for prison in severe cases

Enforcement information:
CMS Enforcement Powers

4. Delays and Communication Problems

Common Complaints

• Long phone waits
• Lost paperwork
• Conflicting advice
• Delays updating cases
• Repeated evidence requests

Best Practices

• Keep a written timeline.
• Save every letter/email.
• Record dates/times of calls.
• Ask for:
  • Agent name
  • Reference number
  • Notes added to file

Tip

Always follow phone calls with written confirmation if possible.

5. Shared Care Disputes

CMS reduces payments depending on overnight stays.

Common Arguments

• Disagreement over number of nights
• Informal arrangements not recognised
• Lack of proof

Useful Evidence

• School records
• Text messages
• Parenting calendars
• Medical appointment records
• Travel records

6. Domestic Abuse and Safety Concerns

Some parents report that CMS processes can increase stress where abuse exists.

Issues

• Forced communication
• Financial control
• Harassment through repeated disputes
• Safety concerns over personal information

Protections Available

CMS can:

• Use Collect and Pay
• Restrict information sharing
• Add safeguarding notes

Support services:

• Women’s Aid
• Refuge

7. Arrears (Back Payments)

Problems

• Historic unpaid maintenance
• Disputes over amounts owed
• Old debts suddenly enforced

Important

CMS arrears generally remain enforceable even years later.

Ask for:

• Full arrears breakdown
• Payment history
• Written calculations

How to Challenge a CMS Decision

Step 1: Mandatory Reconsideration

You normally have 1 month to challenge a decision.

Ask CMS:

• What evidence was used?
• What HMRC year was used?
• Was all information considered?

Step 2: Appeal Tribunal

If reconsideration fails, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

Tribunal information:
Appeal a Child Maintenance Decision Tribunal

Common Evidence Checklist

Useful documents include:

• Payslips
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Child care schedules
• School letters
• Proof of missed payments
• Text/email communications
• Companies House documents
• Property records

CMS Complaints Procedure

If the service itself handled your case badly:

First

Complain directly to CMS.

Then

Escalate to:

• Independent Case Examiner (ICE)

Official complaints route:
CMS Complaints Process

Parents Living Abroad

CMS can sometimes enforce maintenance internationally.

This depends on:

• Which country the other parent lives in
• Reciprocal enforcement agreements

International maintenance guidance:
Child Maintenance if One Parent Lives Abroad

Practical Survival Tips

Do:

• Keep everything in writing
• Save screenshots/messages
• Use recorded delivery for important letters
• Check calculations carefully
• Request call notes
• Stay factual and calm in communications

Avoid:

• Verbal-only agreements
• Cash payments without records
• Missing appeal deadlines
• Emotional messages to CMS staff

Useful Organisations

• Citizens Advice
• Gingerbread (single parents charity)
• Family Rights Group

Biggest Real-World CMS Frustrations

Many parents commonly report:

• Slow enforcement
• Difficulty proving hidden income
• Stress from repeated reassessments
• Inconsistent case handling
• Problems with self-employed calculations

But cases are usually stronger when:

• Evidence is organised
• Communication is documented
• Deadlines are met
• Complaints are escalated properly