Partly inspired by another thread which linked to the child maintenance calculator. I clicked on it, entered a very conservative estimate of ex's earnings and a very optimistic estimate of the number of nights they spend with him... and I was gobsmacked by the amount.
I hadn't looked at the calculator since we were first splitting up a year ago, and he insisted he couldn't afford maintenance and would lose the house. (Almost the day I left, the central heating system went, and he couldn't afford to fix that- so went without heat or hot water for almost a year.) I didn't push the maintenance issue, and as it turns out he's had the kids less than he originally planned. I don't feel he has any intention of ever paying support. There will always be some "issue" or reason he can't afford it. If I go through CMS, I run the risk that he'll disappear and I'll be unable to work at the times he usually has the kids.
We've managed, although it's been desperately tight at times, when clients are slow in paying their bills. I know maintenance money would help (a lot), but chasing it is a gamble I'm afraid to take.
Am I just a big mug, or are there other women like me who just give up on support and make do on their own?
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
AIBU?
To wonder how many mums get diddly squat from their ex / kids father?
186 replies
newsecretidentity · 23/06/2014 19:36
OP posts:
Bicciemoosh ·
23/06/2014 19:54
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Message withdrawn at poster's request.
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