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Step-parenting

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CM and summer holidays

7 replies

captainflash · 12/09/2023 09:24

Not sure if the right place for this but here goes!
DP and I had his daughter with us the whole of the 6 weeks holidays. No problem at all, she is much loved and welcome at any time. We also have her with us every other weekend throughout the year and during other holidays. DP adores her and it was ex’s choice to move further away so there is less contact than he would like. We would happily have full-time care.

As we had her the whole holiday, DP is reluctant to pay the whole of CM to his ex and we bore the whole cost of the 6 weeks- food, holidays, days out etc. We also purchased new uniform, clothing for holidays, school stationery and equipment during this time.

DP would never see his DD without and his ex earns 3x what we do. DP pays double what CMS state and is always paying over above for other things- clothing, equipment, clubs etc when she is with us.
Can ex still demand this, even though DSD was with us??

OP posts:
Laurdo · 12/09/2023 09:28

No she can't. All she can do is go to CMS and she'd just end up with much less than what she's getting now.

Backagain23 · 12/09/2023 11:19

He has to pay the minimum amount, all the doubling up and paying extras is discretionary. She can demand all she likes but she's onto plums as he doesn't have to give her any more than the minimum and he's already spent it all on the child anyway.
If he can't afford to pay the double amount without the child missing out when with you or not being able to meet his obligations in your household then it needs to stop IMO.
The money is for the child and should be spread out in order to best meet her needs. No point playing the hero and paying double if it's not sustainable.

captainflash · 12/09/2023 11:53

Thank you for your answers.
It’s perfectly sustainable with our income. We just weren’t sure if he had to or not when the child is actually living with us instead. It’s a tricky set up.

OP posts:
Backagain23 · 12/09/2023 12:08

CM is effectively a yearly bill based on the number of nights the child is with the NRP. The yearly bill is divided into 12. It would quickly become a mess if it varied monthly. Some months the child might only be with you 4 nights, others the full month. Much better to just pay the same every month then everyone knows where they are.

Skogrammy · 12/09/2023 12:09

Stop doubling up and pay the min.

Skogrammy · 12/09/2023 12:10

Backagain23 · 12/09/2023 12:08

CM is effectively a yearly bill based on the number of nights the child is with the NRP. The yearly bill is divided into 12. It would quickly become a mess if it varied monthly. Some months the child might only be with you 4 nights, others the full month. Much better to just pay the same every month then everyone knows where they are.

Also do this.

add all the nights up you have her through the year and then divide by 12 and see how many nights it is.

Then pay the cms and stop paying double.

captainflash · 12/09/2023 12:31

Thank you all. This arrangement predates me and am grateful of the advice.

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