To expect a decent amount of money to cover kids expenses

[Sportspsych]

. I’m new to separation. My husband and I earn roughly the same salary . The two homes we will live in separately have similar outgoings eg 1k per month per house on mortgage/ rent and bills . Our children will live with me 11 out of 14 days per fortnight. How do we work our whAt my husband should contribute to their living expenses etc for our children .Im Brand new to this so i really would be grateful for help .it is amicable andthere are no solicitors involved yet as we would prefer not to pay one of at all possible .

Anyone who can advise please?

You could use the CMS calculator based on his salary and then work out on top what is reasonable for extras. Probably sensible to do this in case he gets difficult

I split with my ex last year and we just used the CMS calculator to come up with a figure. It takes into account how much the non resident parent has the kids. We were both ok with the figure it suggested so have run with it and agreed it all between ourselves but it will be formalised in a consent order when the divorce is finalised.

If he doesn’t want to go through the CMS, coukd you set up a new joint account into which you both put half of what it costs to feed, clothe etc. the children? Then you could both draw what was needed from that account in proportion to how often you have the kids?

The CMS calculation is going to go off what he can afford, not what the children actually cost.

Thanks very much. I receive 600£ per month from the gov in extra benefits for child with sn . Does this have to be declared and included in the agreement . How does Christmas, education etc work for you?