Hi,

I have two boys from a previous marriage, one has just turned 18 the other is 14. I have been paying maintenance without argument since the eldest was 3. I calculated the value properly using what was then the CSA website, my ex and I agreed it all between us and were open-book about it. Since then, every year I have had a payrise, I have increased the amount in line. No arguments. I take my kids out, pay for them to go on holiday with me etc, all on top of the maintenance. I think I am a fair guy given some of the scum out there.

Two months ago I stopped paying for my 18Yo as he is an adult and working, not in full time education. This was accepted by my ex without argument.

However, she has now gone to the new Govt tracker and entered an "assumed" salary for me and worked out, under the new arrangements, that I should be paying a LOT more for my remaining child.

I checked this and not only will the increase, a good £300 a month, cripple me, the backlog will be substantial. I didn't know things had changed and we have always operated in good faith. Nobody is threatening legal action at this stage but IF it goes to that, given the good track record etc that;'s been in place for 13 years can I seriously be legally obliged to pay the difference now, would this be taken seriously in court?