Child maintenance amount

[Anewfigtree]

We're in mediation trying to sort out finances. How should we agree on child maintenance amount? Stbxh doesn't like the number suggested by the CMS calculator and would prefer to pay less than half that amount. On what basis should we find the right number? One child, 13y, who wants to live with me 100%. In case it's relevant, it's not a needs-based divorce. There's enough assets so we both have decent houses. Basic wages are similar, but his annual wage is twice mine because he gets a good bonus. Thank you for any advice.

Why would you agree to less then the legal minimum? He's an arse to even suggest it.

First post nails it.

Do not accept less than the CMS minimum. It's low enough as it is.

You’ll be doing all the parenting with all the costs associated with that, why would you accept less than the full minimum amount? Don’t. The money is for your child. Take the lot!

Stick to CMS. I have heard several times of people going to these discussions and usually men wanting to shortcjange their dc. Personally I think it's disgusting. If he refuses to pay up then go directly to CMS. Why doesn't he want to support his DC?

He doesn’t get to barter on the CMS amount.

Stick CMS and discuss what else he should contribute in addition, likely 0.

Far better to have CMS and nothing else and have complete control of your own budget.

Show the costs of school meals, trips, activities, pocket money, clothing, uniform, your taxi services etc.

Savings for a driving lessons & uni.

There is so much more than just feeding them!!

Stbxh doesn't like the number suggested by the CMS calculator and would prefer to pay less than half that amount.

What a charmer

He thinks the level suggested by the CMS calculator is for a parent that has zero involvement. He will take our child to an evening activity twice a week and will probably offer dinner twice a week. He will still come and watch the child's sports matches at the weekend. We will live close enough that the child could pop to his whenever they want.

That's irrelevent. It is based on the number of nights a child spends with the non resident parent. No nights with NRP, full CMS to be paid. No arguments.
Don't accept any less.
If he argues, CMS will take it straight from him.

He can jog on, it's to CONTRIBUTE to all the costs of raising a child and to the best ability they have the same lifestyle as prior to the divorce.

Yes he still has to pay for his DC when they spend time together, even if he stayed one night per week it would be reduced.

Take the CMS amount OP. Even if you feel you could get by without it, save it for your DS for when he is older. Don't be shortchanged.

Him having his child for dinner a couple of times a week in no way justifies dropping the amount of maintenance by over a half. That's absurd. It doesn't matter what he might think about how the CMS amount is calculated, CMS makes it very clear what it's based on.

What amount per month is it?

Costs for a teen will escalate. Who is saving for driving lessons, university costs which is around 30k without fees.

School trips in secondary are often expensive, Once a teen boy is through puberty you are providing adult clothes & shoes, add sports subscriptions & clothing.

CMS usually assume the other parent is also funding so I doubt his contribution is enough.

All of this is irrelevant. CMS figure is the legal minimum he is required to pay. If he doesn't agree to this then pursue him through their service.

Take the emotion out of it.

Says it not your idea or suggestion.

Advise it’s what the law states.

Thanks all for the support. Every part of this divorce is a battle, even though I'm looking for 50/50 and nothing more. I'll put the maintenance amount on the agenda for the next mediation meeting. Let's see if he proposes a lower amount in front of other people.

It is a pointless argument for him to get hung up on because after one year of a legal settlement you could go to the CMS and get it increased anyway. He would be much better advised to assume you will get the full amount and ensure he gets a fair share of the assets on that basis.

Does he have a solicitor? They would probably set him straight.