To think the Child maintenance service is completely incompetent?

[Nogreenskittles]

Name changed for this, but regular poster.

my exDH has somehow successfully managed to persuade the CMS that he is the main carer of our 2 DC by changing the kids doctors and dentist and saying i no longe care for my kids because I asked him to look after them while I was in hospital.

this was a short term arrangement which ended months ago and we’re back to 50/50.

getting nowhere with CMS who just refer me to policy and say I need to keep paying until it goes through the system. No one is permanently on the case so every time I call I speak to a different person.

are they staffed by idiots?

They are definately staffed by idiots who cant be arsed to do their job! My daughter can't get a penny out of her ex for his 2 children. He works and has a company vehicle parked on the drive but has told them he claims benefits! He's never claimed benefits unless hes managed to claim something to avoid paying! Surely, they should be checking his bank statements! He has always had a good paying job so I dont understand why they are not looking into it! She gets the same bog standard reply, "we will review your case in 6 months.' They have absolutely no interest in finding out if hes lying or not, they are a disgrace! He also has an income from a rental property which i doubt hes declared!

What you should do
1. Request a “Mandatory Reconsideration” (MR)

• This is the formal way to challenge their decision.
• Be clear: the care is 50/50 and the previous arrangement was temporary due to hospitalization.
• Include dates and timeline.

2. Gather and submit strong evidence CMS will take you more seriously when you show consistent, real-world care. Useful things include:

• School records (who the school contacts, pickup patterns, address on file)
• Any written agreement or messages confirming 50/50 care
• Proof of children staying with you (calendar logs, childcare arrangements)
• Letters from school, GP, or others confirming shared care
• Benefits info (e.g. who receives Child Benefit—this can carry weight)

3. Keep a clear care diary Start documenting:

• Overnights
• School runs
• Appointments
• This becomes powerful evidence if things drag on.

4. Escalate the case If you’re getting nowhere:

• Make a formal complaint to CMS
• Ask for a caseworker to be assigned (push for continuity)
• Contact your MP via UK Parliament — MPs can escalate CMS cases surprisingly effectively

5. Consider legal backup If your ex is actively misrepresenting care:

• A solicitor can help formalise arrangements
• A court order (Child Arrangements Order) can settle disputes about who the main carer is, which CMS will then follow