Child Maintenance payments during Summer holidays whilst child is in my care?

nik_k

Hi all

I'm after a bit of advice...

I currently pay my ex-wife a monthly amount of child maintenance for our daughter. This is an informal agreement, which we're quite amicable about.

During the Summer holidays, our daughter will be staying with me for 3 weeks while my ex-wife and her new partner go to Scotland, Ireland and Spain.

Does it seem reasonable that I reduce the amount of my payment to a quarter of a normal month's payment, due to the fact that a) our daughter will be with me for three quarters of the month, and b) my ex-wife and her partner will not even be occupying their house for three quarters of the month?

I'm quite happy to pay a reasonable amount, but feel that I shouldn't have to make a full payment in order to line their pockets for holiday spending money.

Thanks in advance!

clearingout

the CSA work on reductions for each night a child stays overnight with their NRP over a year - so no reductions for under 52 nights, 1/7 reduction for 52 - 103 and so on. I guess there are two reasons for this - the first being they can't afford the admin that potentially would be involved every time the NRP has an extra night or every night the NRP misses for whatever reason; the second because it gives an average payment paid over 12 months in equal installments upon which the PWC can rely as part of their household income.

So...it's not unreasonable that a reduction is made. But it should have been averaged over the year if you're doing it by the book. You run the risk of looking petty, equally so does your ex if she doesn't agree with a reduction. If you have a good relationship with your ex is it worth rocking the boat for the sake of a month's maintenance? Are you paying under or over what you would if you went through the CSA - the potential fall out, of course, is that your ex takes offence and goes to the CSA as a result.

I would personally suggest you check with the CSA calculator and make an adjustment for the coming year based on the number of nights you have had your child this year. Of course, the potential problem is that your ex then reduces your contact to get more money....

Unless you're desperate or really feel the need to prove a point, is it worth what might/could happen?

kevin137

If it is amicable, talk about it, it really is that simple, she will give her views as you can give yours, if you behave like adults it will be easily sorted...

PreludeForTimeFeelers

I think it's worth bearing in mind that as it's an informal agreement its down to the two of you - how are things between you, do you think she would agree to a lower amount in the summer holiday?

nik_k

Thanks all...I'll have a chat with her. Main thing is that you all seem to agree with me, that it's not necessarily an unreasonable request

AnxiousMum

No, it's not unreasonable, but then it's not unreasonable for her to say no to a reduction based on the fact that regular monthly payments still need to be made as they are generally averaged out over the year. It doesn't have an effect on the amount of clothing required for the child, nor the rest of the expenses throughout the year.

Although private arrangements are great - in that the parents can work something out without involving a third party - part of the problem with them, is that you might not take into account any variations such as this.

So, while your request might not be unreasonable, neither will her refusal to accept such a request be unreasonable. I doubt after all, that your child support is 'lining their pockets' for spending money on their holiday.

Bluemeanie_2

If she is keeping the CB and any CTC they get for those 3 weeks, I would say it is reasonable not to pay the CS as well as.