Maintenece. And not so dp

[eve34]

Sorry I know this isn't technically relationships. I know this is a busier area to lone parents.

I need to get my sums sorted. We have some joint debs. I think I can afford the bills going forward but depends on maintenece.

I have 2 children. Cms says 16% of all income. Unfortunately he works abroad so don't think the cms can help.

So looking ahead what do I need in an agreement. Any advice would be really helpful.

Get a spreadsheet going that includes every single cost relating to the children, including housing, bills, dentist etc.

The CMS amount is insulting in many cases.

Dear sofa. Thank you for the reply. How does that work with house hold bills. Until it's etc. They have their activities and cost of food. Clothes etc.

TBH I haven't had to do it but I am sure there will be tools if you do a Google search. You need to start from the strongest negotiating point you can. If your ex is feckless, there may not be much you can do but it will at least help you budget.

You can ask CMS to make the calculation, based on the figures you provide (or there's the online calc they provide, but it's not that accurate). You can do that without processing a claim - I think you're probably right about them not having a lot of power if he's based abroad.