Just split up - do I have to pay half of mortgage for the next 13+years?

[barnsley77]

I have just split up with my wife. We've been married about 7 years and also had a joint mortgage for about this time too.

She tells me I must continue to pay half the mortgage whilst our daughter (aged 3) is in education (at least another 13 yrs).

I have been doing this almost a year now, but concerned that if/when I met someone else - it wouldn't go down too well (as it is financially hard although not impossible for me to do this).

I also pay child maintenance (although she has agreed to reduce this rate from about £200 month to £160 due to me paying 50% of the mortgage - which is £240 p/mnth).

So I pay £400 p/month in total.
I get £1500 mth (less 400 to the wife = £1100 left for me).


HER INCOME:
Tax credits 640
p/t wage 860
child benefit 80
Child maintenance 160
Total = £1740 (not including my half of mortgage I give her)

I also look after our daughter whilst she's goes to work every evening (often at her house - until she comes home).

...Is this normal / acceptable or am I wrong for doing this?
Can solicitors request a (still) legally married - for the partner on highest income to financially help out the other one?

[B1gG1rlPants5]

If you divorced you would have a financial settlement
What happens if you meet someone new & have more children
Surely, she can't dictate that YOU will pay X for 13 years
Suggest you need financial advice from a family solicitor

[TeawithCakes]

You seem to be paying a lot. I think she’s taking advantage tbh. Can she not buy you out or sell and give you 50% of what is left?