Hi I’m new here but I come with a problem.
I have 2 girls. 2 and 6.
Single dad. Have my children 50% of the time. So over 14 days, 7 days, 7 nights.
Separated (after 10 years) with their mother. I rent. She lives in the house that I used to own, but now I don’t.
We use a combination of breakfast clubs, nursery and child minders as we both work full time that has been in place since before our break up 19 months ago.
She was the significant Earner in the relationship by at least £20k
We Never married.
So my problem is that I have now I’m run out of savings! renting, living, clothing and childcare costs have done me in. I’m now at zero. Single living is hard.
We split all childcare costs 50/50 as they occur equally on our designated day. I used childcare vouchers through work but there is still extra to cover monthly.
So my questions.
1. Should the amount we pay towards our childcare costs be equal or means tested against our income and outgoings? I’ve never questioned it before but let’s just say the opposite end of the relationship is determined to make it as hard as possible for me. So I’m open to anything.
2. Is there any financial support I have access to as an equal single full time working parent?
I would really appreciate someone’s help. The last 18 months haven’t been easy and financial concerns is something that really stresses me out!
Please help me.
Thanks in advance.
hi,
you are not paying child maintenance to the ex right?
if not, then im not sure what else you can do, unless you change jobs that is more flexible, or allows home working/few days in office. any family, parents that can help you out with childcare while your at work?
No and she’s not paying any to me. It’s all been informal equal split.
Work has flexed to allow me only 4 days a week, so that’s as far as that goes.
Seriously nothing?