are maintenance and nursery fees separate? complicated money stuff!

[PintandChips]

am in the process of splitting up with DP, we have one son, 2.5yo.

we are both on OK salaries and earn equal amounts, and work equal amounts. He will continue to pay half the nursery fees, obviously as we both work, but am i able to claim maintenance on top of that, if he is having him 2 nights a week (roughly - he goes away a lot). and if so, does that mean i am solely responsible for all other costs (clothing etc.)? which would be fine by me.

i wasn't going to ask for maintenance, but the thing is, i owe him a few grand, and he wants the money back, which i don't have.

we are trying to keep it amicable but it's tricky...

any advise gladly taken!

Child maintenance covers all everyday living costs - and that would include nursery fees, if it went through the 'official' channels.

There is nothing to stop you both coming to a private arrangement.

If you are both earning equal amounts then why not leave it at that? The ex can pay 1/2 the nursery fees. I'm sure you will be eligible to claim for child benefit and child tax credits whereas he will not be eligible to claim for anything.

thanks, i thought that would be the case. i am happy to leave it at that. i think that's fair enough, as long as he goes half on all other costs too.

i get nursery fees ontop of maintenece as an extra as the private nursery is exdp choice.