Been seperated with ex for 2 years and have a 5 year old daughter to her. In 2 years seperated have been 50/50 shared care one week 3 nights Monday-Friday 2 nights the next with alternate weekends. I helped her out with money for 4-5 months then put stop to it as I couldn't afford it with my own bills etc. 2 weeks later I got a letter from child maintenance as the ex had put a claim in and saying I only have my daughter 3nights a week which so untrue. In those 2 years I gave paid half cost on childcare, dance lessons and took time off work when daughter ill. All I want to be is a 50/50 dad. I can care for my daughter 7 days a week as I work Monday-Friday 8 -430 but the mother works 2 night shifts, 3 days off. I feel cheated and have feeling child maintenance service are involved I've no chance getting 50/50.
hi,
CMS would average it out. so if you do 3 nights 1 week, and 2 nights 2nd week, they would class that as 3 nights a week. I imagine the maintenance you pay is not a lot, unless your a high earner. on a positive note, you don't have to pay anymore than what CMS have asked you to pay.
Thank you for your reply. If I have my daughter 2 nights in the week then I would have her Saturday and Sunday. This would be same for the mother. I can't do it any differently because the mother works 48hrs then 3 days off.
Saturday and Sunday as well. All I want is 50/50. If I pay CMS but need overtime or to make a step up in work to better myself then the mother benefits from it. It makes my blood boil how us dads who want 50/50 access or more don't seem to get it. Sick of working round mothers work.