how do we split costs after court?

[alohahae]

Its looking like we will both agree to 50/50 contact in court. Which is fine.
My ex is very tight with money and losing child maintenance will make a huge difference. If court orders 50/50 then how do people decide how to pay for things for the child with no maintenance? If I ask him he will just say no. And I will struggle to provide without the money, but obviously my child having 5050 contact is more important than maintenance so that comes first.

If he won't pay then he'll have to buy his own stuff which will be pricier in the long run. I mean he'll have to buy gadgets, school uniform, trainers, clothes etc that are only used at his house. Stuff like school dinners or childcare will have to be parent pays if it's their day so if he wants to cut costs then he needs to make a packed lunch or negotiate flexible working so he can do pickups.

Stuff like clubs and hobbies will be hard because they are luxuries rather than necessities so you'll probably have to suck the cost up so he does the important stuff like swimming.

Why do you need maintenance if 50/50?

In an ideal world there would be things at both homes. And certain items going from house to house.

But if your ex isn't going to play ball you need to let him know the children will come in one outfit and he needs to ensure they have everything they need at his.

Or you could suggest a joint account for things like school uniform and hobbies. And you can both see what it is being spent on.

A joint account would be a great idea. Maybe if you could pay into the account in proportion to your incomes (so if one of you earns twice as much they pay in twice as much).