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.