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To feel resentful over paying child maintenance

279 replies

kittycats100 · 06/09/2024 14:46

I know I'm being unreasonable but hear me out. I've been the full time parent since me and DA dad split up when he was 2. DS goes to dad every other weekend and half holidays. Over the years child maintenance payments have varied from his dad paying nothing on the beginning to then me getting some CMA. The first years was £120, it went up to £300 for a year then back down to £120, there was two years I was getting nothing and some years of around £100. Currently it's £55. From secondary school, DS will be living with his dad most of the week so I'll be liable for child maintenance and I'm sure he will claim from me. I've just done a calculation and it's worked out I'll have to pay £450 p/m. I feel really resentful by this because I'll pay it with no drama but I had to struggle along for 8 years with no help with anything other than the CMA amount.

I need to come to terms with this and just accept it's for my son but it's really pissing me off. I had a convo with my partner about this and he thinks it's only fair as I claimed against my ex which has annoyed me even more.

Do you think I'm being unreasonable to feel like this?

OP posts:
Tessasanderson · 06/09/2024 14:51

Assuming you are having to pay this amount because you earn more than DH?

If thats the case then your £120/£300/£55 was probably also linked to your childs dads income. Is that correct?

How do you want it to be? You earn more but pay less towards your childs upkeep? Do you think your childs dad thought it was fun paying you to look after his child whilst you earnt more than him?

You are both putting money into the pot that maintains your child. It may not be fair but its better than nothing.

kittycats100 · 06/09/2024 14:50

DS will be going to a school near his dad's where other family members also attend. He also wants to stay more days as his dads and I do believe at that age boys need their dads around more.
I'm looking to move near the area but I'm in a housing association property and will have to get a swap which I can't guarantee will happen in time.

OP posts:
LadyDanburysHat · 06/09/2024 14:48

Will your ex step up and pay for everything your DC needs? I don't blame the resentment.

Terracata · 06/09/2024 14:48

Why is son moving to dad's during the week?