Dear All
I am still going through a divorce and very long .
She wants Spousal and my argument is she can go back to work . Children 10 and 3 .
There is so much help with child care payments through the benefits system that could help her to work .
I understand as a lone parent she can claim universal Credit and indeed is expected to work through the Universal Credit . I have also noticed that any Spousal is taken off Universal Credit so there is no added benefit to paying any Spousal Maintenance. I understand the courts are always in favour of the mother with young children .
Can anyone shed any light on exes having or being expected to return to work or just stay at home as a lone parent and claim universal credit and child maintenance.the courts should move with the times since universal credit it seems from what I read does expect the lone patent to go to work .
Thanks
Hello Aqua,
My limited understanding (from a few years ago) is that once the youngest child turns 5 and is in full-time education - unless there are mitigating factors - from the Benefits point of view, there would be an expectation for the mother to be job-seeking. I'm don't think Family Court involves itself in maintenance issues, but I'm not 100% certain on this point.
Spousal maintenance is still granted, but of course you should argue the points that you have here.
Toks makes a valid point about the benefits system expecting a mother to go back to work, if she is dependent on benefits. In fact my daughter is a single parent and she was required to start preparing for work/training long before her child was 5.
Dear Mojo and Toks
Thanks . My understanding from reading is the same .