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Hi everyone, I am new to the site and after looking through the numerous posts it looks like most of us are in the same boat. I needed clarification on my situation as I am being accused of not paying my way with regard to my children.
I have used the CSA calculator to generate the monthly amount I should be paying and have paid this on time every month for the last three years since we split . My salary has increased from 1st April and I will be increasing the amount to comply but its only another £5 a month to pay.
However I received a demanding email from my ex wife last might saying, and I quote
“The maintenance money you pay for our children is to cover the roof over their heads, bills and food. Their clothing is on top of that as are school trips and out of school activities”
Is this correct, I was under the impression that this was an all encompassing amount which takes into account, food, clothing etc. With regard to school trips I advised I would pay as and when I had spare funds. Beside the monthly payments I make, I travel 6 hours to pick up my two children every other weekend and spend almost £100 in fuel to see them. I never miss a payment, I take them on holiday twice a year and I buy clothes and other bits and pieces throughout the year.
All this came about as I am taking the kids to the south of France this week and my ex asked what clothes they need, all I said was they need a water proof top as we are going kayaking. All of a sudden it has become a major issue with her as I queried why I would need to pay for an everyday item which should be purchased out of the £390 a month I pay.
I am not particularly wealthy, in fact my ex has more disposable income than me after I have paid out the child maintenance and travel. Yet she see’s fit to accuse me of not doing the right thing by the children.
Sorry for ranting on, I just find her attitude unbelievable, if she wants more money perhaps I should suggest she works full time rather than part time (children 10 & 14)
Hi there 🙂
You are right, the amount of CSA you pay is to cover all costs and any extra is purely voluntary. You are also entitled to a reduction of the amount you pay to take into account the travelling costs you incur. There is a helpful sticky that you will find at the top of the Child Maintenance section called "How does the CSA calculate my payments" (I think!) It links to a CSA leaflet that explains in a little more depth about what you should pay and what reductions you are entitled to.
Best of luck
You know what. I think the PWC forgets that they ALSO have to pay to bring up there own child!! if this was something that was more explained to the PWC so like " the NRP is going to pay X amount towards the upbringing of the child/children, but also remember this worked out on not only the fact of the income of the NRP but also YOU the PWC also have to pay for your own child as well, and remember you get child benefit and some get child tax credits, so if you match the amount that the NRP is paying every month, then ADD the child benefit to that amount, you will find it "should" cover the bills you have when you have a child.!!
I still pay extra for school trips/ cloths etc etc, but thats my own choice, and if I dont agree with ex, then I dont pay any extra!!
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