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Parenting

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Child maintenance

4 replies

Cerysc123 · 10/08/2026 22:31

So my ex partner isn't happy with the figure he has for pay child maintenance. He had three bonuses last year which has put his pay from last year right up.

He basically left me for someone else, lied to me, treated me like I was no one, told me he didn't care about me and I wasn't his problem. He was vile to the point it's really put me down. Me and the girls have been classed homeless whilst he swans around in his 4 bedroom house. I've also had to put my dog in foster until we find a home which has broken my heart.

I've been lovely to him so far for the girls sake. He rang me up asking if I'll agree to change the child maintenance that he has them over the 104 nights a year to bring it right down. He's also refused to pay for any educational activities or anything they need when he originally thought it was £100 less than it actually is. But wants me to buy everything and for us to share it all.

What would you do? I feel it was wrong of him to call when he knows I'm under a lot of stress and at the end of the day why should I when he treated me so nasty when I've done nothing but be lovely to him and be a good mum to our children. Surely he could talk to them himself and explain.

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 10/08/2026 23:31

I would expect him to pay the statutory maintenance. I also would not subsidize his parenting time in any way. He is responsible for all expenses on his time. You don’t have to provide anything. Maintenance doesn’t absolve him of all other child related bills.

Pistachiocake · 10/08/2026 23:48

He's abandoned you and your kids and now doesn't even want to pay? Seek legal advice, and I'm so sorry for you.

Imaginary86 · 10/08/2026 23:52

Ponderingwindow · 10/08/2026 23:31

I would expect him to pay the statutory maintenance. I also would not subsidize his parenting time in any way. He is responsible for all expenses on his time. You don’t have to provide anything. Maintenance doesn’t absolve him of all other child related bills.

It does. If he’s paying the amount they have calculated he doesn’t have to pay anymore

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Minasama · 11/08/2026 10:48

I’m sorry, is this for real? He has made his own child homeless and is disputing the amount of financial support he should give?

By rights he should be paying enough to house you! I would not back down here because this is money for your daughter, not for you, and you should not accept her receiving less.

How come he is still in the house, not you? Were you married? Even if not I believe you would have some entitlement to stay in the family home given there is a child in the picture. I suggest asking ChatGPT some questions making clear you are in the U.K. and/or speaking with a family lawyer.

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