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Divorce/separation

Here you'll find divorce help and support from other Mners. For legal advice, you may find Advice Now guides useful.

Can I refuse to sign MOA? Scotland Only

4 replies

scotgal2017 · 14/07/2020 10:33

Will try to make this brief, STBXH left after 17 years of marriage in 2017, so nearly 3 years of being separated. 2 Dcs, ex was abusive to me and kids always on eggshells, shouted at etc. End of last year DS13 decided does not want to see dad anymore but does speak occasionally by text(usually harrassing DS to go and visit him). DD15 still goes to see dad now and then. He works in an industry where he is away for weeks at a time/back for weeks at a time and earns 6 figures. I work part time, minimum wage and as DS has been diagnosed with ASD this year doubt that this will change, although i would like to start my own 9am-4pm business to earn more and make sure I'm about for kids after school day.

STBXH has paid a set amount each month since he left to cover rent and CM amount and has always said he would make sure roof over kid's heads, they have what they need etc. he's never had an issue paying this tbf to him.

Divorce not even started yet as trying to agree Minute of Agreement. I had asked for current amount he pays to be in place until DS is at least 18. This was agreed, then when draft of MOA came out last week, it was completely changed to say it would be looked at when DD reaches 19. Me and my sol have written to say this is not what was agreed previously. I appreciate that he may start being arsey after a year as my sol says a year after MOA signed he can try and change condition but it seems like he just wants to keep making our lives miserable and pulling the rug from under me. I appreciate he is probably paying more than CM will recommend but I have never asked him to up it, change it, moaned about it etc etc. He wanted to go off with gf and be happy.....he has done this and even paying what he is paying now, will still have plenty of cash to do what he wants to do (it never stopped him before either). It was already pointed out in initial correspondence that if he wants to lower amount he pays then kids will have to move to somewhere less desirable than they are now and so he agreed to keep amount he is paying the same.

It is just causing me hours of stress and anxiety, I just want it in place and secure and done and dusted. I am no contact with him except through sols and if he does email me I don't answer or it's a grey rock response.

My question is, if an MOA is not agreed, the divorce can't go ahead because there has to be something confirmed and in place for the kids, is that correct? So if I don't agree with the MOA, refuse it until it's amended to what was originally agreed upon, and refuse to go further with the divorce, would ex still be able to proceed with divorce without my signature etc etc?

OP posts:
LillianBland · 14/07/2020 11:45

What a sneaky git. I’m sorry you’re having this trouble with him and I hope someone will come along and give you the correct advice. I just wanted to wish you good luck.

adarkwhisperinthewoodwasheard · 14/07/2020 11:51

Divorce can go ahead without MOA, but would need court appearances to settle child arrangements. The MOA just makes it smoother. I would recommend that you suggest a mediation session to sort out arrangements rather than discuss only through solicitors. If he declines then it puts you in a better position if it does go to court hearings as it appears you have been reasonable in trying to seek alternative arrangements.

But to answer your main question - given that the separation date is more than 2 years ago he doesn't need your agreement.

DrinkFeckArseGirls · 14/07/2020 11:54

But when your DD becomes an adult that you’re due less child maintenance? If he wants to help her at university, as he should, that’s between them.

scotgal2017 · 14/07/2020 15:30

@LillianBland nothing unusual for the ex...

@adarkwhisperinthewoodwasheard thanks for the info, any tips on how mediation would work with an abusive person? We tried counselling once at the start of our marriage, didnt continue as the night before the second session he had hit me in the stomach when pregnant with DD, when we got to second session it didn't start as I told him I was leaving (obviously went back stupid me).

@DrinkFeckArseGirls yes very true....its likely DD will still be living with me whilst at uni though.....compare his 100k a year to my 10k a year (plus a small settlement to me that will most likely be depleted because of sols fees), no claim.tohis pension (hes self employed for.many years and didn't have any private before we split), no property, no assets,I think hes getting off rather Scot-freeto even pay until DS 18, dont you? With what he is paying me now for kids/rent, its not even a quarter of his yearly salary.....he earns 3/4 of my monthly wage in one day.....bitter? Perhaps....

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