What to tell the kids

Kimitatsu

Have to agree with DX2 - schooling can always come later on, bear in mind that they can be in full time education until they are 19 and you would still get tax credits, child benefit and CS for them. You may even find that they would thrive better.....how old are they?

Having had two step children who have gone through pretty much the same thing - mum can afford to be away every weekend but can only afford pasta and quorn for tea every night then I would talk to the kids and ask their wishes. IMO kids especially teenagers like to have a loving stable home (even if its just so they can storm up the stairs tellin you that they hate you!) because it gives them boundaries and there is a difference between explaining there is no money for fripperies and not being able to afford the essentials. Glasses should at least in part be covered by the NHS so she should have had something to wear for the last two months and all repairs are free.

Your solicitor is right you cant make her spend the money on the kids - that has been debated long and hard on this board! But you can ask for their wishes to be taken into account and a full CAFCASS report to be made for the courts to decide where the children are best suited.