I'm new to this situation so forgive me if this has been asked before.
I'm intending to separate with DH and want to clue myself up before we have "the talk" about child access and maintenance arrangements. I'd like to propose a fair solution that he can hopefully agree to. I'd prefer to avoid solicitors and courts (who wouldn't?).
We have two dependent DC, one preschool and one teen nearing end of formal education. We live in a rented house, have very little in the way of assets, pensions or savings. I earn twice what DH does. He will be moving out and renting. He will prob pay the same rent if not more for a smaller place.
Childcare cost has always been my responsibility, so when you factor that in, my salary isn't as high as it looks. I have seen the gov calculator on maintenance which says Max £450 per month if they stay mainly with me, which they will.
Should I use this figure as a minimum, and ask him for more so DC get a better quality of life, or would that be unfair on him?
I'm thinking whether he should help with childcare costs or is that still just my expense? Would it be unfair to expect him to help a bit with actual childcare (collecting for an hour) so I can keep my job? I would earn half as much if I worked closer to home and my career would be savaged.
I won't need spouse maintenance. Should I suggest a figure and we go halves on big or extra things the kids need, like school trips, uniform, or phone, etc? I want to be an adult about this, and hoping he will to but doubt it somehow
What have others done? Advice on what would be considered fair please!
I'm completely clueless and would love to learn from others' experiences.
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Divorce/separation
Maintenance experience/advice
9 replies
MonicaLewinskisFlange · 11/07/2016 18:59
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