How is money divided up
don't know if i have put this in right place but how do i know if what my ex is offering me is the right amount. i am not wanting to be greedy - i work 25 hours a week and get child benefit and tax credits - he is offering to pay all bills but wants me to pay for food and clothes for me and girls - it seems we will be both left with same amount of money at end of each month but he will have to pay rent and bills out of his leftover money and i will have to pay for clothes and food with mine - should i take legal advice so early on or should i let it go for a couple of months and see how we go - he agrees that we have to review things each month or so
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Hi little red hen, ficurnow has given you some really good information here (nice to see you ficurnow!!)
If you use these percentages then it means he can hand over that amount of money every month and it will then be up to you to budget everything from your income that is from various sources. I know that can feel a bit scary for some people but there is a freedom and independence in managing your own budget, rather than having to "wait for him to pay the electricity" or "ask him for the money for the phone bill" which I know can be a source of stress. Using those percentages also means that it is an independent guide as to what is the norm
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Whether or not you involve the CSA directly, I would recommend you use their calculations on how much he pays you - ie, 15% of his take home pay for one child, 20% for two, 25% for three - reduced by the appropriate fraction if he has them more than 52 nights per year. Google CSA and have a look at the figures on their website. I know they can be responsible for an awful lot of cock ups and misery - but it would be a starting point for you. And you need something definite so that you and your girls can have peace of mind - not rely on someone's good will because that can very easily become a casualty of all the emotions flying about during a break up. Good luck, Fi x