How much should I be paying in maintenance?

daska

I've had a look at the calculator and read the blurb and there's just not quite enough information.

Income: ESA, DLA, LHA, CTB, + CB and CTC for DS2 (2y)
DS1 (12y) living with dad 200 miles away (moved in June but I've only just managed to get the benefits etc sorted out after help from MP)

I can see from the blurb that I'd be on the flat rate of £5/week but how much do they reduce that by for distance (I pay most but not all travel - as long as dates are worked out in advance I book trains/coaches/ferries etc but if the dates can't be worked out in time for me to book and send tickets then his dad pays for him to travel here and I pay return) and care over 52 nights a year

The reason I'm asking is that I want to budget for how much I already owe in back payments and ongoing and be able to justify my calculations. I will probably end up spending out more than the £5/week on travel as DS2 will be visiting every holiday and occasional weekends and the ferry alone is £5 each way plus £30+ for trains/coaches.

Update for those who want the latest chapter: yes, DS1 finally came to visit and will now be back for all holidays, has also told his dad that he will be spending xmas and new year here as well YAY! - Methinks his dad telling him he had to spend xmas there had the opposite effect to that which was anticipated - DS1 is like me, bolshy :rotfl:

alwaysonthego_2

Board Guide Comment

I am going to move this to the CSA board where you should get better response.

Loopy_Girl

As you have your child over 52 nights of the year, you will not need to pay anything.

daska

Really? So anything I do pay is a 'bonus' for him? Given that he owns two companies and is financial director for another two he certainly doesn't need any financial help from me, but I feel I ought to support DS1 in some way.

Loopy_Girl

Yup. As you are paying the 'flat rate' of £5pw, then it gets reduced to nil as you have your child to stay for over 52 nights.

Just like if you were paying an amount if you were working, there would be a reduction for the amount of nights. But as the £5 is a small amount there's no point splitting hairs so it's a nil payment.

Of course if you felt you wanted to pay your ex something then you can but in the eyes of the CSA, you won't have to.

Loopy_Girl

There's the link for you...last paragraph

http://www.csa.gov.uk/en/case/new-living-arrangements.asp

daska

Do you know, this is the first time in years that his dad hasn't had a stick to beat me with, it feels so wierd! Prior to this he was always threatening to leave the country or to stop paying maintenance or to take me to court for something or other. I can get on with being a mum now, albeit just for holidays.