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Maintenance for teenage child

3 replies

flowergirl5 · 08/09/2020 21:50

My son is 17 and in second year of college. The course is 12 hours a week which according to child benefit and child maintenance is full time. His dad has always paid each month but has disputed paying now as he doesn't class it as full time. I've confirmed I've spoken to child maintenance and that he'll have to pay.

In the last 6 months he's not had him overnight and prior to that it was a minimum of once a week if that. He's often told our son he doesn't have to stay and it's up to him what he does. He's now said he'll continue to pay maintenance but wants him to stay twice a week (which son won't do and which his dad hasn't wanted for over two years). Where do I stand on calculating what he should pay if he's now saying he wants him to stay two nights a week to reduce what he pays me? Can he do this or would child maintenance look at how often he previously has him. Not sure if it's worth accepting what he's offered or taking it through maintenance options. Thanks in advance xx

OP posts:
Dinosauraddict · 09/09/2020 13:45

At that age your son can refuse to stay overnight. Ex can't withhold CM based on a lack of contact. So if your son doesn't want overnights, you tell Ex that and calculate CM on that basis.

Babyroobs · 09/09/2020 15:07

It's not pay as you go. He's 17 years old almost an adult so can decide for himself surely. His dad should be paying until he leaves education.

Bollss · 09/09/2020 15:16

Your son can't be forced to stay and therefore your ex will have to pay more. Use the online calculator or go through the CMS. I can understand why he is not happy though to be honest.

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