Child maintenance questions!

mr_stripey

Child maintenance questions!


So my wife and I seperated and divorced almost five years ago

Since then we've had a reasonably amicable arrangement regarding money. We have two teenagers and they have spent 50/50 time between my house and hers.

It was my/our understanding that this meant no official maintenance was due. For additional expensese such as school trips or other non regular costs we have split 50/50 as and when they crop up.

In the last year or so, the eldest (now 17) has been spending more time at his mums rather than mine as it is closer to college, his girlfriend etc and he generally only comes to me a couple of weekends a month. I have made occasional payments to my ex for his "keep" as and when she has requested them and paid for other stuff (such as new glasses) in leui of this.

The youngest (14) remains on a 50/50 arrangement.

Recently she has approached me and said she wants me to contribute more. In principle I have no problem with this of course but she had produced various calculations from the CSA website which I just don't understand.

She has requested £350 per month from me - which seems a lot and more than I have spare. This seems a lot for his upkeep but what exactly is it that I am paying for? Any future irregular expenses (like school trips, driving lessons etc) will continue to be shared by us? If he was with me 50/50 I don't think it would cost that much to feed him.

I do feel like it is better we can come to an agreement between us rather than throwing myself to the mercy of the CSA.




Questions ( I think)
1) Is the 50/50 living arranagement the correct baseline for no maintenance to be paid?
2) Am I being unreasonable in feeling she is asking for too much? Is she being unreasonable?
3) Does maintenance payment end when the child is 18 or in full time education?

Thoughts, opinions and advice welcome!

jefaz07

1 - yes, 50/50 there would be no maintenance playable. 

 You can also go on to the CMS calculator and work out the payments with you details and overnight stays. It doesn’t matter what you think it costs to keep, the figure on the calculator is the figure you must pay, and if you don’t they will come get it. 

Best thing is to try and sort an agreement between yourself and your ex. I have had countless issues with them and they have actually paid me compensation on 2 occasions because of this. 

I currently use the calculator and have a standing order for that amount paid directly to my ex. 

sheramber

https://www.gov.uk/calculate-child-maintenance

https://www.gov.uk/how-child-maintenance-is-worked-out/ask-other-income-expenses-included

This will show you how much you would have to pay if your wife applied to CSA  if you cannot agree.

When child maitenance stops

https://www.gov.uk/child-maintenance-service/when-child-maintenance-stops

if you pay the CSA figure you would not be obliged to pay extra for  extras like school trips. Aextra payment would be voluntary.

Hoenir

mr_stripey said:

I do feel like it is better we can come to an agreement between us rather than throwing myself to the mercy of the CSA.

Accept the CSA calculation. Anything you then provide over and above is discretionary on your part.