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Dear all,
I currently pay my soon to be ex-wife the amount as advised by the CSA, each month. I was given my marching orders 2 years ago but see the kids every weekend for at least one day, usually two, as well as about 45% of the school holidays.
The issue is that as a result of her choices, she now pays over £1000 per month for an out of school care club before and after the school day. That I know absolutely she could do things differently and save herself significant money each month, she is now threatening court action to force me to pay for half of these childcare costs, over and above the CSA money - surely I have to cover my costs when I have them and she covers hers, end of story? Or will I be liable to pay half of her childcare costs, even though I can't afford any more?
thoughts and experiences welcome, including on my poor grammar!
Douglas
Hi There,
Your liability is to pay the legal amount set out by CSA, this doesn't mean you can't contribute more if you can afford too, but you can't be made too.
That said you mention that you are not yet divorced, if your soon to be ex, applies to the court, she could get awarded a spousal maintenance, which if a judge feels is justified he/she can apply so that your ex and children can live to same level of life they did whilst you were living with them. I don't know anyone who has had this order enforced but I know it can happen. It's my understanding though that your income would have to be much higher than hers for this to happen.
Darren
Darren, thanks again. I earn £34200, she will be earning approximately £21000 this year going up to £34200 over the next 5 or 6 years. I used to pay £450 per month until she asked for more, £500, which I couldnt manage, so the CSA got involved and I now pay £351.10! I actually called the CSA as they miscalculated it and initially told me that I should be paying less than £300! With travel costs to work each month of over £400, my own modest mortgage, then bills/food/money to spend on kids when I have them etc etc I barely make ends meet as it is, any more expense would be impossible to manage. The lawyers bills don't help either!
Hi
Have you included deductions of 1/7th for each 52 days per year he spends overnight with you?
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