Family Law
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Michelle Counley
Senior Consultant at NACSA
Family LawChildren LawFamily Dispute Resolution
Senior Consultant at NACSA.
Michelle is the senior consultant at NACSA, a leading resource for all parents affected by decisions of the Child Maintenance Service. Her career began in 1995 as a single parent abandoned by the original CSA.
Since then, Michelle and her team have provided advice and support to hundreds of parents, helping them navigate through one of the most controversial schemes of all time. From case reviews to representing clients at First Tier Tribunal, to delivering training sessions for family lawyers, NACSA can help in all CMS related matters. Michelle is also an author of the CPAG’s ‘Child Support Handbook’ which is published annually.
Michelle Counley’s profile brings together professional experience, specialist subjects and published Chronicle Law contributions.
Children Law
Follow Michelle for practical commentary and professional insight on children law.
Family Dispute Resolution
Follow Michelle for practical commentary and professional insight on family dispute resolution.
From Michelle’s Chronicle Law profile.
FAMILY LAW · 5 MIN READ
When Paying Child Maintenance Is Not Straightforward
Child maintenance in the UK can be far more complex than it appears. Even well-intentioned parents may face arrears, surcharges or enforcement if payments fall outside CMS rules. Understanding how the system works is essential to avoid costly mistakes.
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FAMILY LAW · 5 MIN READ
The Hidden Cost of CMS Financial Investigations
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) plays a crucial role in identifying hidden incomes and is a vital tool in ensuring fair child maintenance payments. However, while the FIU’s involvement can help secure more accurate maintenance awards, it often leads to prolonged legal battles and will apply to all future maintenance calculations. In this article Michelle Counley of NACSA discusses alternative routes prior to FIU, the drawbacks of FIU involvement and the long-term implications of FIU decisions.
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FAMILY LAW · 3 MIN READ
Navigating Child Maintenance: Court Orders vs CMS
Family lawyers aim to secure the best possible outcomes for clients in financial remedy proceedings. However, a crucial question often overlooked in client discussions is the impact of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) on their finances.
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