Child maintenance

My daughter’s dad has started receiving benefits and so only has to pay £7 per week child maintenance. This doesn’t cover even a single swimming lesson per week - let alone school uniform, clothes, shoes and other clubs. My husband and I are ok for money and made the decision to send her to a fee paying school which is obviously not my ex’s responsibility but it doesn’t leave much left for essentials for her. He used to give me £350 a month after I went through CMS but I’m wondering how to ask him for more than £7 a week to help with what she needs? He is not an understanding person and does everything he can to fob me off - whether it’s spending extra time with his daughter or bad mouthing me to her when she’s with him.

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£7 a week is an insult! If he’s not willing to pay any more, I’d probably tell him where to stick it, but that’s just me lol x

I had to go through CSA because my ex wasn't paying me. But now all I get is £29 a month. They say it's because "part of his wage is benefits and we need to leave him enough to live on" yet he is going to Japan and all sorts. It's disgusting but nothing I can do. If you have a somewhat better relationship with your daughters dad, maybe you can speak to him and come round to a compromise x

Toni - how infuriating for you.

@Charlotte I am a single mom working part time, and he still earns more than me a month on benefits. It's so backwards

It’s so frustrating! I also thought about saying don’t bother paying it, but my husband says if the circumstances change with his benefits then I’ll regret that 🤣 I’m not expecting anything to come from asking for a compromise but thank you for the advice! If he actually made an effort with my daughter, I’d be more understanding I think!!

Yes I get it! The urge to tell him to “Jog on” could back fire on you! Silence is golden remember that ;)

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