Hi,
My ex is claiming CMS maintenance calculation for our son, who spends alternate weeks with her and myself, so the calculation is on an equal ‘shared care’ basis.
What are the costs I am expected to meet in this situation I.e. over and above the maintenance amount I pay my ex ?
Obviously I house and feed him when he is with me, and I would pay for domestic things like his bed linen, underwear, maybe some school shirts for when he stays with me, but apart from that ? School lunches, school shoes, mobile phone, other clothing etc etc. ? (I would be prepared to pay his school lunches for when he is with me).
Ordinarily there should be zero liability for either parent but it doesn't always work that way. Contact CMS to see if you have any liability and on top of that, if you choose to pay anything extra, that's your choice.
Some parents choose to contribute extras if they are earning more than the other, but it isn't a legal requirement.
My personal view is that it's best to use discretion on what is best for the child. For example, if the child wanted to attend a particular club or activity, if one parent genuinely can't afford to pay for it then it's up to the other parent whether they choose to.