How much should I get in child support for 2 children?

[whitetigerlily]

My partner and I have recently separated and I have no idea how much money he should give me for our 2 children aged under 5. I am a sahm, would not be able to hold a job down right now due to health problems. The only benefits I get are PIP (low rate) due to my health, and child benefit. He has a fairly well paid job. The split is pretty amicable so far and we want to avoid bringing solicitors into it if at all possible. What sort of amounts do your exes pay per child per month, if you don't mind me asking, as this is all new to me. We have never been married, if that is relevant. Thanks.

[SoonToBeSix]

Twenty five percent of his income minimum .

[whitetigerlily]

Thank you- is that what the legal position would be- he would be due me 25% of his wages? X

[SoonToBeSix]

Sorry I meant 20 percent and yes that's the legal position.

[CharlieBee]

I believe the calculation has changed slightly in the past year or so, but would still work out similar to the 20% mentioned by the previous poster. If you go to cmoptions.org there is a calculator on there (assuming you know his gross salary) which takes you through it, and also accounts for any reduction for the number of nights he has the children per week.
Not sure if you'd be eligible for tax credits or not?
Good luck x

[nomoretether]

The calculator is here

It varies based on a few different things so best to do your own calculation. The percentages used to be based on net income and are now based on gross income minus pension contributions. It would have been 20% net before. I believe it's now 16% gross and a reduction of one seventh for each regular overnight of the week he has. If care is shared 50/50 then no maintenance is payable.

[nomoretether]

The gross income includes benefits so if he has a company car or health cover through his job then he needs to calculate the amount based on his p11d as well as his p60 income.

[nomoretether]

Also, if it's amicable you can deviate from the calculator. My exH pays me a small amount of maintenance even though we have a 50/50 care arrangement. It does mean I can't rely on it as he could change his mind at any time (as he did with spousal maintenance) and I wouldn't be able to do anything about it.

[whitetigerlily]

Thank you all for your help ladies.

[STIDW]

Have a look at the resources available to help parents reach their own family based agreement on the CM Options website. Experience shows parents who manage to agree between themselves make are more flexible to suit the needs of their children, more satisfied with the arrangements and more likely to adhere to them.

[Prosopopeia]

I get £2.50 a week for each child, automatically deducted from his benefits. He pretends not to work cash in hand..

Good luck.

[HowamIgoingtocope]

Phone ctc you need to see if your entitled to that. I'm sure you would be entitled to the single.parent element.