“I’d imagine.” Hmm
He’s ALREADY trying to wriggle out of paying the cms stated MINIMJM.
Why are you divorcing?
What was he like as a parent before the split? Did he honestly do his fair share? Not just the fun stuff? Did he do homework nagging, laundry, meals, teeth brushing, broken nights, early mornings (even on weekends and holidays), medical and dental appointments, school appointments, dads taxi etc?
Did he act fairly financially?
Best indicator of future behaviour is past behaviour.
But also with separating couples nrps behaviour is prone to deteriorating.
Things to bear in mind:
Cms won’t back date to when you split only to when you officially inform them and start a claim so quite honestly you’d be better starting a claim ASAP to get that date recognised if he doesn’t play fair and you do have to use them.
He’s saying he can’t afford it when he’s on a much higher wage than you - well your child still needs fed, housed etc so if he can’t afford it what makes him think you can? Or are you supposed to let the child/ren go hungry? Or are you supposed to go hungry to be able to feed them while he’s in lap of luxury? You know his income and the living costs in your locale do you honestly believe this?
You know him, even with having the dc 3 days a week will he really cover half the costs? Including childcare, uniform, school equipment, clothes and shoes, haircuts, first aid & minor ailments supplies, tech, haircuts, transport etc?
Quite honestly I’d want a contract in writing witnessed by someone independent before I even considered giving him a pass on cm.
Go and read any of the MANY threads by myself and other single mums of how badly our exes have let down the dc on this score. Why not learn from our mistakes?
Ime it’s far more common that an nrp doesn’t come through, especially if they’re resisting from the beginning.
I’d be getting the contact terms in writing too, I really can’t see this guy taking time off for a sick kid even if it’s “his” day.