Maintenance final payment

Billyd0

Hi everyone, I'm new here, I'm looking for some advice please, 

I'm a nrp and my son's has turned 18, he's done 2 years extra at school,  he starts university in September for a degree in teaching,  his mum says I have to carry on paying maintenance till he's 20 as he is in full time education, 
 is going to university full time education?  By law, 
It's a private maintenance agreement we've had when he was born. I've paid it for 18 years, and will carry on paying it till September this year,   

I will save his maintenance payments in a savings account,  if he needs anything in the future. I've never had it so I won't miss it. I also said to her I will transfer it to him when he needs money. 
So
Even though he's 18 and at university for a 3 year degree course,  do I still have to pay child maintenance by law. 

Chubbs

Peter999_2

No, you don't have to pay while he is in university.

Do I Pay Child Maintenance When My Child Starts University?

I think you're doing the right thing, saving the child maintenance for him.  I think that's what I would do.

Billyd0

Thank you. I thought so,  but feels like I'm cheating him.  His mother has manipulated him and not seen him for 8 years, but I know I'm doing the right thing. 

Peter999_2

Very sorry that you haven't seen him for 8 years.   Hopefully as he grows into an adult he'll want a proper relationship with you.

Billyd0

Thanks Peter, I don't want to win the lottery, just want him to knock on the door and say hello....dad. 

Peter999_2

It would probably feel like winning the lottery and I really hope that he does just turn up one day.     At some point he's going to realise just how lucky he is to have a dad who contributed to his whole life even though he couldn't see him.

My daughter and I didn't have a great last few years of her teenage life but now she has been away at Uni for 2 years the relationship is great again.   She is becoming a teacher as well and during work experience has realised just how hard some children's lifes are and now appreciates her own life a lot more.     University life has been fantastic for her and she is so confident in everything she does.

Maybe you could write your son a letter and explain to him what you will be doing instead of paying his mother maintenance?

powerspowers

Could you ask if he would rather have the money paid to him whilst he is at uni or offer to save it? Maybe giving him some choice in the matter? 

Student loans usually don’t cover a students full costs so it may still be helpful now 

Billyd0

Thanks  Pete and powers, my boy is doing a degree at uni to be a teacher, so he might think about things as he gets older, glad your back on track Peter, 

My boy doesn't email, text, WhatsApp me at all. So I will save the money for him. I miss him terribly, been 7/8 years now. 

Thanks guys. 

Billyd0

Can someone tell me why? My son is doing a 3 year degree teaching course at university....... The ex thinks it's full time education, but he's 18, why does my payments stop when he goes to university, I'm asking because I'd like to know the lawful reason to tell other what's right. Thank you 

Peter999_2

The payment stops as your son will get a loan to pay for the course and also a maintenance loan to pay for himself to live.   If your ex gets paid less than £25,000 a year he will get the full amount and this is why it is deemed that maintenance from you is no longer required.

EnPointe

Billyd0 said:

Can someone tell me why? My son is doing a 3 year degree teaching course at university....... The ex thinks it's full time education, but he's 18, why does my payments stop when he goes to university, I'm asking because I'd like to know the lawful reason to tell other what's right. Thank you 

'full time education' when it refers to children stuf using means  courses up to NQF  3 - i.e. A levels or  equivalent  vocational courses  i.e. the 16-18/19  / sixth form  type stuff