I did say "may" require the Support Deduction Order. I'd take the route of cover yours/kick theirs or being duly diligent.
Most likely it will take at the minimum 2 months before the garnishment actually takes place (op should financially prepare for the delay). It will take longer if the ex does not voluntarily give FRO their employment/banking information, and Voluntary Arrears Payment Schedule. One can't predict what the payor will do once they receive the information from FRO. If they're going to be a *&^$#% about it then they'll likely stop paying and wait for the FRO system to catch up to them.
A lawyer sending it in versus the recipient would also give a perception that all the paperwork is in order.
Most likely it will take at the minimum 2 months before the garnishment actually takes place (op should financially prepare for the delay). It will take longer if the ex does not voluntarily give FRO their employment/banking information, and Voluntary Arrears Payment Schedule. One can't predict what the payor will do once they receive the information from FRO. If they're going to be a *&^$#% about it then they'll likely stop paying and wait for the FRO system to catch up to them.
A lawyer sending it in versus the recipient would also give a perception that all the paperwork is in order.