I wanted to start a thread to share part of my story. I am a single mum to one son (10). I divorced 5 years ago and part of that process involved a school fees order. 15 months ago my EX started proceedings to stop paying school fees. In Jan this year we embarked on the paperwork, both declaring income and outgoings, form E etc. We had a first hearing in May and it was decided that we should go straight to final judgement for a judge to decide the outcome. During this time EH resigned from his high earning job to join his new wife's business. 10 days prior to the final judgement, he signed documentation handing 25% of his pension to his wife's business and incorporated the rest into a commercial property for the business - the pension was to be discussed at the judgement with regards to capitalisation.
The months leading up to this date were stressful, upsetting and daunting. The day itself was heart rendering but I felt supported by a great solicitor and barrister.
The judgement was read by the female judge who did not focus on his pension. Instead she focused on EH potential earning capacity and his choosing to leave his salaried job which paid for our son's school fees. She advised that he regain employment with a high salary again and if this was not possible he would need to restructure his assets which he clearly has so that the school fees order if untouched and fees are continued to be paid.
I felt comforted by the fact that the judge was was not willing to alter a school fees order easily.
I am also not naive enough to believe this is the end. Having recognised EH as a textbook narcissist, I can see he feeds from the drama and attention and does not like being told no. I wold be very keen indeed to hear from others who have been on this journey. I also hope that this part of my story can help and support others in the same situation. I found it such a difficult time and hate the thought that people up and down the country are facing such situations.