Maintenance on 50/50?

[hulahoopqueen]

Hi everyone,

Looking for thoughts on our situation, or advice from those in a similar position. DH has asked me to ask Mumsnet, so here goes...

DH and DSSM (DSS's mum) have agreed a plan for DSS to be on a 50/50 schedule by the end of the year. Currently, DSS is with us 5/14 nights. DH pays between £200 - £250 per month (this does not vary, but am wary of specifying the amount as could be outing).

When discussing 50/50, the question of maintenance has come up. DSSM has said along the lines of not expecting maintenance to continue, but would be very grateful if it did in some way. For context, DH and I both work full time. DSSM works approx. 20H/week, and her partner works full time.

What would you think would be reasonable in this situation? What factors should DH take into account when looking at an amount?

No I would not continue to pay in his shoes.

If he is paying 50/50 of all costs for the child then that should be enough. As others have said, it's not your DP's issue that his ex is only working 20hrs instead of full-time.

@Magda72 totally agree!

We had the same!

Benefits will also top up and I think it's very unreasonable to expect more,

From experience personally I know by law - 50/50 shared cared is zero maintenance from any side to the other.

Why should one parent fund the other household? Not their fault they don't have a larger income and why should someone else pay the short fall?