Reform the Child Maintenance Service for Fair Treatment of Fathers
Reform the Child Maintenance Service for Fair Treatment of Fathers
Why this petition matters
As a father who is deeply committed to my children, I am struggling under the weight of a system that seems designed to penalize me. The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) has inaccurately calculated my payments from the start, leading to an inflated debt that I simply cannot afford. This has not only strained my relationship with my ex-partner but also created financial instability in my life and home - a home where our children spend time three days every week.
The CMS was established with the noble goal of ensuring children's well-being after parental separation. However, it appears that in many cases like mine, it is causing more harm than good. A report by Gingerbread charity found that 43% of parents using CMS are not receiving any maintenance at all due to its inefficiencies and errors (source: Gingerbread).
I am not alone in this struggle. Many fathers across the country are facing similar issues - paying more than they should be and struggling to make ends meet while still providing for their children both emotionally and financially.
It's time we call on our government for reform. We need accurate calculations based on realistic living costs, fair treatment for all parties involved, and most importantly – transparency throughout the process.
Please sign this petition if you believe in justice for fathers unfairly burdened by inaccurate child maintenance calculations. Let's work together towards a fairer system that truly prioritizes our children's best interests.