Downsizing from two to one bed

[hmsdad71]

Hello All.
Not sure if anyone can help but here goes... I presently rent a two bed house but am struggling financially so am exploring renting a one bedroom house. My problem is this: my daughter (who is my world) stays with me regularly and I am on good terms with my ex. We have joint custody and I do right by my daughter ie maintenance and split the costs of everything equally. Now she is growing and requires her privacy. In the two bedroom I rent she has this as she will do in any one bedroom but is it against any law for me to downsize and have my daughter stay? She will have the bedroom and I shall have a sofabed in front room. My daughter lives with my ex.
I would be grateful for any advice. Thankyou.

[nickymanchester]

is it against any law for me to downsize and have my daughter stay?

Absolutely no problem with this from a legal perspective.

I don't know how old your dd is but if she is old enough to appreciate the situation then perhaps let her know the reason why you are moving into a smaller flat. Although, be careful not to blame it on having to pay maintenance as this will just make her feel really guilty.

Perhaps also have a look at the government website:-

www.gov.uk/calculate-your-child-maintenance

if the amount you're paying is way above that then perhaps have a word with your ex and explain the situation. Perhaps they would be amenable to having less if it meant that your dd would have her own room in both homes.

Just to give some figures from the government website. Based on the average full-time salary of £26,500, if your dd stays with you 3 nights per week then a person on that salary should be paying £35 per week maintenance. If she were only staying 2 nights per week then it would be £44 per week.

[hmsdad71]

I have no intention of reducing maintenance. Just more cost effective to relocate. Tha kyou for the reply though.