CSA What a joke!?

unfortunately your heading says it all.. There are many many parents out there of both sexes getting away with not providing for their children, and in most cases the parent who has residence can do little about it. I try my best not to get wound up about it anymore, as my ex has truly used the system to his advantage...I just try to think that my kids will know in the end who supported them all their lives.

You are right.... everyone goes on about the dads not facing up to their responsibilities. In my experience and through people I know I have heard of lots of mothers as well who use the system unfairly and don't pay up when they are supposed to.

I also don't think the system is very fair. My hubby has to drive 120 miles to collect his daughter for a weekend and then another 120 miles to take her back on a Sunday and the CSA have said they don't take travelling into consideration when working out your payments. Think of all that diesel!! It's expensive stuff!

I don't really have any advice but yes the system sucks.

I would get in touch with a solicitor and see if you can force her to pay all the backdated money she owed, i had the same with my sons real dad he hasn't bothered for 14years and in that time all he sent was 100 pounds, the CSA are bloody useless and seem to punish the parent that is trying to care for their child, in the end I said don't bother I don't need the money that bad as to keep going through this hassle, it is wrong and I agree at a mother who abandons their child should be held responsible as much as a dad, life's not fair and in the end the mother is just hurting your step son, all I can advise is keep on with the great job you are doing and I hope it works out for you but with people like this you are going to have a fight on your hands.

We are having similar troubles with my hubbie's ex aswell. If it was the other way around they would soon chase the man.