Child maintenance and covid

[Sharpasknives]

Hi , my ex and I have always had a reasonable relationship in the past 7 years since we’d divorced . He usually has the kids every other weekend and one night in the week. They are 16and 15 .
He pays me maintaince which we worked out using the gov. Website .
Now things have been a bit different in terms of the kids as they are isolating at different times due to exposure at school . So he will end up having the 15 year old 9 days more than he should this month as he got sent home on Monday and we have said they return to the house where they came from if this happens .
So He rang yesterday and asked me for £200 to cover the extra 9 days . What do people think?
Background - girlfriend moved in last month , I can only think she is behind this as we’ve always flexed to accommodate each other’s needs .

Even if the new girlfriend is in his ear he should say no to her as he is the parent.

in an ideal world..... 😏

£200 does seem weirdly specific.

I wonder what he will tell you?

The responsibility for the child's finances begins and ends with the parents.

I agree. Yet time and time again you see women on MN posting about how much he gives his Ex.

This isn't just in childhood either, but up to when his DD is getting married...they aren't happy about him paying for it.

I think it's easier to have a degree of separate finances when there are children from a previous relationship involved.

An update - he has just text to say disregard that conversation, you have enough on .
Maybe he’s reflected. Thank you for your replies

I wonder if he just realised exactly how much 2 teenagers manage trough through on self isolation!!! Our bills soared during lockdown - bet they ate the last of his snacks or he ordered a take away and realised his wallet was dented and then on reflection realised what a dick he was!

Hope all goes well with your Mum

Great news OP..

At least it’s a good update! Id have said something like that’s an odd number, Hope we don’t have to start counting days every month. How about I’ll pay you 50 and you can buy their PE kit and pay the club fees from now on? Something that highlights you bear all their fixed costs so it’s a bit shitty to ask for that much to cover extra food. Preferably something due soon.

This is exactly what my ex would do and he's in a similar financial situation. You are not alone! Except he wouldn't come to his senses.

I do enjoy stories like this though 🙏

@Muchadoaboutlife

This happened to a friend of mine. New GF. Suddenly “oh I’m reducing the payments” she tried being reasonable. She didn’t want more. She was happy with what she was getting. He would not back down. She went through CMS as he left her no choice and his payments doubled. He soon STFU.

This

@Sharpasknives

An update - he has just text to say disregard that conversation, you have enough on . Maybe he’s reflected. Thank you for your replies

Nah, he's been reading Mumsnet!