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Simplified version: Can expand in the comments
Myself and partner (who has 2 kids with an ex) have 50/50 agreement
Kids dad (despite our best efforts) has never paid for share of school uniform, school dinners,shoes, trainers, trips, clubs and now underwear! etc etc
My partner (Mum) doesn't work (we now have 5 kids between us)
We have kept records and can show the child tax credits don't even scratch the surface of the costs (his defense as to why he does not contribute any money financially towards these items)
We are applying for maintenance but at 50/50 there's a small amount for him to pay.
Buying him underwear for my step daughter for his house was the last straw, he has a full paying job and can easily contribute.
I have an abundance of evidence, receipts and records, can I (should) I take him to small claims as a step dad.
I love these kids and up to now been happy to move on and fully support their upbringing knowing hes had the chance and chose to to contribute, kids will get older and learn the truth and its upto them on how they want their relationship with their dad to be, but not buying your daughter a bra takes the biscuit!
Perhaps he feels too embarrassed to buy his daughters underwear or talk with her about it, it's quite a personal thing for some Dads.
I'm not making excuses for him, but it may be something to consider. If he has the kids equal time, then he also has the responsibility of providing a roof over their heads and all that that entails.
We thought about that , but nope. We took her to get sized, we provided a link with a 1 click purchase for the size and fit needed and we got a reply from step mum stating they would do it. 6 week later its not been done.
That's not good... there's not a lot that you can do about unfortunately, absolutely it was wrong of them to say they would take care of it and then not follow through with it.
So do you have any thoughts on me taking him to small claims court, in the hope it prompts him to start supporting the kids?
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