WIBU to just not pay the nursery fees?

[OrcaS]

STBXH and I split up in Feb. Since then he has not voluntarily contributed anything to DD's upkeep. Finally sorted child maintenence - he pays the bare minimum and I strongly suspect he has lied about his income (self-employed). DD is 2 and resides with me and has contact with STBXH. I have paid all the childcare bills since the split (and the "retainer" when the nursery was closed). I had childcare vouchers saved up during maternity leave so just used those. I have asked exH to contribute half of the nursery fees and he has refused. I have written about it in the communication book, but he has ignored it. I can't afford to pay anymore fees. Nursery is £500 per month for 2 days a week. Childminder is £600 for the other days. I owe £1,500 which I don't have and I don't know what to do. We are currently going through the family courts and final hearing is next month. He wants full custody despute never being the main carer. I kept thinking he'd cough up but now I'm not sure he will. I claim universal credit but it doesn't cover all the childcare costs.

Tldr : ex won't pay for childcare. As resident parent (for the time being at least) should I be expected to pay for all of it? Should I wait it out till ex pays?

When does your child qualify for the free hours for 3 and 4 yr olds? The nursery may allow to repay the debt then when your bill is reduced by the government funding. The nursery I manage would almost certainly allow this

How come hw has child care vouchers? Surely if your still official married they would only go to one of you? (Or are they given from work?) Can you ask him specifically for the vouchers to py a grand off. REally unreasonable to have such a big debt nursery,s often struggle because of debts like this. A child in my nursery lost her place because of a debt.

You may now be eligible for two year funding. You need to talk to your nursery and explain the circumstances as they may be able to make a payment arrangement with you or chase your ex on your behalf for their share.

Is he paying csa? Have you opened a case?

@Tumbleweed101 the OP works too many hours or qualify for the two year funding. Once her child qualifies for three year funding she will get extra hours as a working parent

The childcare vouchers came from work, we were both working in places that do a 'salary sacrifice' scheme. He must have £1000's but he is so mean he won't use them because he wants me to fall into debt. Total dog in the manger situation.

Yes he is paying CSA if you mean child maintenence? Though I think he is lying about his earnings as he has a PAYE job (hence the childcare vouchers) and also has his own business which I suspect he is now getting paid in cash for.