My Ex is asking for child maintenance increase

DorsalDin

Hi all,

I’ve been paying my ex £400 a month in child maintenance since 2016. My income was higher back then, and that amount also assumed my son staying with me two weekends a month (which he hasn’t done for quite some time).

Currently, on top of the £400, I also cover fairly regular extras each year, birthdays, Christmas, his holidays with his mum, food when I visit him each week, and a weekly allowance for him. When I add these together over the year, the extras work out to around £250 on top of the maintenance. My income now is lower and more up-and-down (self-employed), average £3,300 a month gross.

My ex has asked for an extra £50 a month because of rising costs and food prices for a 16-year-old. I understand costs have gone up, but I’m unsure what’s reasonable given everything I already contribute.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you consider fair?

Thanks

tacpot12

According to the Child Maintenance Service calculator, the £400 you are currently paying is what you should be paying.

I think you should be negotiating around the additonal £50 a month that your ex has asked for. You haven't said whether you can afford to pay £50 a month extra; just that your own income is lower than it was. If you can afford it, I would recommend paying the £50 a month extra. If you can't, then offer what you can afford. £30 might be a sensible compromise.

itsthelittlethings

If the £400 assumed your son was staying with you two days a week, it would go up if he’s not. However you say your income has decreased.

Spendless

£250 a year more or £250 a month more? Tbh I dont think you should be counting buying your son birthday and christmas presents as extras youre paying! Presumably you'll still buy him these when hes an adult and has flown the nest. Likewise food when you visit, Im guessing  this is because you're not in a situation where he can stay at your place? His Mum doesnt get an opt out of feeding him. 
Holidays with his Mum - spending money for him do you mean? That's potentially generous and could possibly be saved up instead  by your son from the weekly allowance you're giving him. What is this money being used for do you know? 
£400 a month back in 2016 would have gone further feeding and clothing an 8yo rather than a teenage boy.
I'd agree with above poster about negotiating around the request.