I'm going through separation at the moment. As we live together and I pay all the major bills, I've not agreed to pay maintenance until I move out.
I've now started to pay a voluntary amount.
My ex has now claimed I owe her for the period back to when our relationship ended, just short of a year ago.
Is it possible for her to do this? I would have thought it would be from when cms had been involved, and/or our finances were separated; eg we started splitting the bills. Of course, if I say, ok but you can also contribute 50% towards the mortgage, bills and house maintenance for that period, I'll be told to do one.
My understanding is that payments start when CMS is involved. There is a calculator on the site so you can work out what you will have to pay. You may also need help with contact arrangements for the children. There are some helpful guides on the advicenow.org.uk website. If there is no domestic abuse then you may find it helpful to use a mediator to arrange finances and contact. You can find a local one on the Family Mediators Association or the Family Mediation Council. It will be easier and quicker if you can avoid court