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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be surprised at how little STBX will have to pay

999 replies

Stardustnight · 20/02/2015 22:11

STBX is on a very good salary indeed and his living costs are low.

Despite this, according to the CSA calculator he will only have to pay £800 a month for 3 children, which compared to the amount of money he actually has, isn't a lot - £200 a week.

Am I being unreasonable to be feeling mildly disgruntled and short changed? Or am I grabby and entitled ?

OP posts:
TerryTheGreenHorse · 21/02/2015 11:18

Grin Pag.

Georgina1975 · 21/02/2015 11:18

I guess if I got divorced I would not be so focussed on what OH had left-over after providing for DC, as much as what we (I am assuming I would be the RP) had to live on and if that was reasonable. I would assume a decline in lifestyle (particularly disposable income) for both me as RP, OH and DC as inevitable.

Based on current rates my OH would pay £420 pcm for 1 DC (I assumed less than 52 overnights). That compares to the £852 cpm he currently contributes to the JA. So the household would be down £400 cpm plus his financing of "big ticket" items (annual holiday etc).

I could get by on that okay on a monthly basis with benefit top-up if I didn't work (just checked entitlements on the calculator).

Would I be okay with the amount generally? I suppose so given my opening paragraph. My perspective would also be influenced on how other assets had been shared though - the family home; pension pots and savings (he has a lot and I have none) and longer-term arrangements regarding the DC (University costs or similar).

So, in answer to the OP, I couldn't really say if you are being "grabby" without knowing the complete financial settlement. But I do think finances should be settled on the basis of "need" rather than "principle".

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 21/02/2015 11:20

I don't know much about the financial side so I won't comment on that.

I was just wondering though, OP, whether you would have some time in the day when the baby is born to get some training/qualifications in line ready for when you will go back to work? Your son will be in school then - your daughter also for a few hours - so just you and the baby at home. What did you do before? Could you go back to that field when the time is right?

Chippednailvarnish · 21/02/2015 11:20

The OP shouldn't have to consider benefits if her ex is taking £4k home a month. Ever.

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 21/02/2015 11:26

Stardustnight, if you start a thread in legal you'll get some practical advice from family lawyers and others with engaged brains who aren't consumed with bitterness who know what they are talking about. I'd hide this thread now because the fuckwit posts are doing my nut and it must be a million times worse for you.

Yadnbu and I think you are to be admired. You have got out and will be raising three children on your own. That is nothing short of admirable and you deserve proper support in every way, both on here and by your stbxh paying fair support for his children.

Good luck :)

Babynamechange · 21/02/2015 11:27

Another thing I would add is, because he was abusive, be on your guard while this is all going through. He sounds really nasty and that won't change so don't ever assume he will play fair or do the right thing.
Try and hold on to as many of your assets as you can..
Good luck lovely x

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 21/02/2015 11:31

The OP shouldn't have to consider benefits if her ex is taking £4k home a month. Ever.

Hear, hear!

All you making excuses and suggesting ways for this man to avoid paying his fair share are a disgrace. Shame on you.

I'm hiding this thread now before I have an aneurysm.

3littlefrogs · 21/02/2015 11:32

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/2306081-Dear-VNXH

Op you need to read this thread, and her previous threads - it will cheer you up and give you hope.

The Op is called "wellwhoknew"

newstart15 · 21/02/2015 11:33

Just want to reassure that your dc's won't be impressed by flashy gadgets, children very quickly learn which parent puts them first and they aren't naive enough to be swayed by money.

My friend has 3 young children and the dad left for OW a few years ago. He made an effort to ensure they had the latest stuff but whilst it was a novelty for a while it soon wore off. The children are primary age and whilst they spend time with their dad they have realised that his motives are usually selfish.

Also it's likely that your ex will have considerably less than 3k disposable income if he needs to pay for a house.

I completely understand that it's a worrying time (and of course you feel more vulnerable when pregnant) but be assured that you are in a positive position and even if it's hard for a few years you will rebuild.

I was a single mum with no contribution from my ex, it's one of my biggest achievements to know that I provided well for my dc - they had what they needed (not wanted). Now as young adults it's fantastic to see that they have learnt so much from their childhood - they don't waste money, they know how to budget and they don't 'do' designer stuff for the sake of brands and they are self motivated to succeed in life.

In contrast DH is very generous in his child maintenance payments (which were spent on dsd for lots of extra activities, nice holidays, latest gadgets and clothes) however that has created a sense of entitlement which is a very unpleasant trait. She also lacks motivation for careers as she has always felt that someone is there to support her, rather than stand on her own.

jollyboysouting · 21/02/2015 11:46

This thread has horrified me and turned my stomach.

Stardustnight well done on finding the courage to put an end to your ordeal.
As the child of an abusive man, I think you have been really brave and done the very best thing for you and your children.
One day, you WILL find yourself again and be happy.

Please try to ignore the unpleasant and goading comments made by some posters. You are entitled to feel peed off about the finances, when he has behaved so appallingly.

I wish you and your children the very best- after all, the main point is that you are escaping an abusive marriage and trying to move on. X

antimatter · 21/02/2015 11:47

OP - I've heard that you can take your ex to court to increase payments.
I think you need a good lawyer to advise you as your situation is quite unusual. Marital assets need to be divided etc. I don't know what is going to happen to your inheritance.
It is hard early on after the split to be impartial and you think that you have moral right to ask for more...

What didn't help (as it often happens in such threads) is that you drip feed info therefore many just read opening post and comment and that frustrates those who follow and read all.
TBH if you have 2 properties which are assets and receive 800 pounds of child support to the eyes of most you are in better situation that you think you are.
You seem to be able to find employment and that is what you have to concentrate on.

From my experience - the sooner you separate finances from your ex the sooner you stand on your two feet, emotionally to start with. I say that from my own experience and hope you will be able to do it soon.
Leaving all resentment behind and concentrating on what you have and how you can manage that is the best you can do for yourself and your family.

Sallystyle · 21/02/2015 11:48

OP, I have no advice for you but you have already received some great advice, mixed in with the vile shit.

I just want to say that I am sorry for the loss of you parents and sibling and I am so happy that you are getting out of your abusive marriage.

You have been treated like crap here by quite a few posters, just remember it says a lot about them, how unhappy they must be and they are to be pitied really. Anyone who gets off on being an arsehole to someone who needs support and has gone through hell must be really bitter and unhappy.

I am sure you will be just fine. You must be a fighter and very strong and you will get through this too and make a better life for yourself. Good luck with everything Thanks

FringeDivision · 21/02/2015 11:52

I haven't read all the thread because it's making me fucking annoyed tbh, but if op has been a sahp thus enabling her h to focus on his career without dealing with pesky little annoyances like childcare responsibility then it it is bloody unreasonable that he gets to fuck off and keep all the money!

He should be giving her half of what he earns on the grounds that marriage means sharing both home responsibility and wage earning responsibility. Some families share both and others divide up the roles. Ending the marrriage shouldn't mean one party gets to opt out of promises and commitments made.

OP can't work because she has the kids - she's holding up her end of tbe deal. Just because lots of women are getting shafted when it comes to child support we shouldn't bring everything down to the lowest common denominator. We should make men pay what it really costs to keep their kids.

Apologies if this has already been said. Couldn't bring myself yo sift through the 'you should be grateful - I only get 10p per year' posts.

Georgina1975 · 21/02/2015 12:25

And OP - sorry if this has been said and/or you already know this - but I would really try and see a reputable financial advisor in your position. Sounds as if there are (potentially) substantial capital assets (housing and possibly a pension pot) at stake here and, as bloody near-impossible as it feels right now - you need an eye on your longer-term financial health. A favourable settlement on these can often be worth more than a high(er) monthly payment from the NRP.

FWIW my OH bought all the expensive stuff for the children (I think him and exWife agreed on anything above £200 he would pay for). Has included iPads, laptops, University rent, driving lessons. It has made no difference in what they think of their mum.

fedupbutfine · 21/02/2015 12:31

You have been treated like crap here by quite a few posters, just remember it says a lot about them, how unhappy they must be and they are to be pitied really. Anyone who gets off on being an arsehole to someone who needs support and has gone through hell must be really bitter and unhappy

I assume you are aiming this at me? You know me? My circumstances? The hell I might have been through?

Perhaps I'll enlighten you. I was left a SAHM, heavily pregnant with two other children, by a self employed ex who doesn't have to pay any maintenance. I endured months of physical abuse and years of mental abuse at his hands. I endured additional physical and mental abuse from his family and the OW. I was kicked, punched, and slapped whilst pregnant. My children were subjected to DNA testing. I was dragged through the courts as an 'unfit mother' and lost my home and many of my personal treasured possessions (including photos of my late father with the children).

Many years later, I am entirely self-sufficient in my own home (mortgage free, as it happens, thanks to family support) with a new career which I work at full time. I have a wide circle of friends, date regularly and generally enjoy life. I am not 'bitter' and am sure as hell not to be 'pitied'. My children are in childcare before/after school and I provide for them, no one else. I am strong, independent and have manouvered myself into a position where no man could ever do to me again what my ex did - financially, mentally and physically. I did that largely on my own through sheer determination that he had had enough years of my life, I wasn't going to give him any more.

The reality is tea and sympathy did nothing for me. It just allowed me to feel sorry for myself and stroked my bruised ego but didn't move me forwards. Fortunately, a good 'been there, done that' friend took me in hand and showed me that I had to fight. It isn't acceptable that piss poor social policy allows men (mainly) to walk away from their parental repsonsibilities with nothing other than a small hit to their pay packets. There are sure as hell any number of women out there who will stand by them and see them as victims of their ex and scream 'money grabber' at the first opportunity. I should know, my ex has been with any number of them. Far more people will stab you in the back as a 'benefit scrounger' when they realise you are a single mum then be nice and empathic to your face. But that's the way it is. Either you bemoan the fact it's unfair or you fight and trust me, when you fight, the unfairness of the system disappears because you no longer need what you think it should have given you. My ex may well have a bigger house, more money, better holidays etc. etc. etc. but he doesn't walk in my shoes, he will never in a million years have the love and respect of his children in the way I have and he will never understand why I am now able to laugh in his face when previously I cowered at the sight of him. It's priceless but it sure as hell cost me to get to this point.

You are very, very wrong about me and I believe, based on my own very similar experiences to the OP, very wrong about the type of support you think she needs.

Marynary · 21/02/2015 12:39

Would you describe yourself as someone who gets off on being an "an arsehole to someone who needs support" fedupbutfine? If not why do you feel that the above comment was aimed at you?

Spadequeen · 21/02/2015 12:42

Fedup, I don't recall seeing your name mentioned in that post.

Sallystyle · 21/02/2015 12:46

I didn't name any posters.

If you have been an arsehole to the OP and enjoyed it and if you have form for it then I am probably talking about you.

If the shoe doesn't fit don't try to cram your foot into it.

Sallystyle · 21/02/2015 12:53

how much do you seriously need to spend on kids clothes each month and the like? flame me but i think you need to get a grip here as a lot of people would like that financial support from an ex, at least he is paying unlike my ex ever did. wasibe i'm with you on this one, sorry op sounds grabby to me.

wow. grabby/greedy much?

These are the type of comments I am talking about.

holdmybeer · 21/02/2015 12:58

The CSA system is seriously flawed. My ex has made it clear the he wont pay a penny more than he is legally obliged to leaving me to limit how often he sees dc as he will reduce maintenance if he goes over a certain number of nights. I don't think this is in their best interests, but my costs do not reduce at the same rate.
Also, it seems morally wrong that taxpayers foot the bill for the majority of my childcare costs as ex will not pay (could afford it but wont). It is the injustice of it all that gets to me.

BlessedAndGr8fulNoInLaws4Xmas · 21/02/2015 13:03

The reality is that focussing on what ex has is not going to move OP forward - neither are the emotions of people on here.

What's needed is for OP to realise what her intentions are for the future - then all her thoughts and behaviours need to be focussed on that intention.

What should or shouldn't happen is besides the by - it's about accepting the reality - I was also an unlucky one twice over and all tea , sympathy , it's not fair, it shouldn't happen etc etc etc did not help at all.

Accepting reality and focussing got me out of a bad place. Fast.

Pagwatch · 21/02/2015 13:10

I don't see any evidence that she hasn't accepted her situation.

I think she is managing to recognise her situation and observe that it is surprisingly unfair.
That is not going to keep her stuck anywhere. It's a coherent and rational view of her circumstances.

Endlessly hectoring her to ignore the unfairness of it in order to move on seems to be unhelpful and somewhat belligerent.

comingintomyown · 21/02/2015 13:11

OP if you're still looking at this please can re emphasise the importance of sourcing a good family law specialist solicitor to advise and act for you. When I was given this advice all I could think was how expensive it would be, that I didn't really needit etc etc. Fortunately I did take the advice and it was worth every penny because like you there were assets and various things to consider.

Of course the monthly maintenance is important but not nearly as important as the division of your assets, pensions etc. This is what needs to be prioritised for the welfare of your children because whatever you agree on will be what your financial future and hence your children's financial future is made up of. When I was going through this I thought am I being greedy should I just say Oh I don't care about the money. A good friend made me see it's what you have to do to provide a secure future for your DC , quietly fight your corner for a fair outcome no more but certainly no less.

Namelesswonder · 21/02/2015 13:15

OP, hats off to you - you sound like you are strong, sensible and on top of things. You do not deserve some of the horrible comments you have received on here. Petty jealousy, because you have more money than others, is ugly.

YANBU. As a % of his take-home pay, £800 a month stinks. Also, remember children may be taken in by expensive gifts initially but they soon realise when the giver is a prat.

Viviennemary · 21/02/2015 13:19

Yes it isn't a lot when you're used to a very good income. If you're expecting to live off this money then it won't be possible. This is a major difficulty with relying on a high wage earner and then finding out you are going to be very hard up indeed if you split up. You should be entitled to some sort of tax credit or income support.