Hi,
I am going through a separation. As an interim arrangement I have borrowed a flat and taken some of belongings. I stay at the
FMH every other weekend and on Monday and Thurdsy nights and look after the children from dinner time onwards. I also go round on Wednesday to put them to bed. I also pick the kids up from childcare Monday and take them to their destination on Tuesday. I also take them to school on Friday morning. I pay for my eldest School Fees and my youngest Nursery costs. I am aware that my ex pays her friends cash to take care of the kids when she is working (a full-time job she has just started).
Now - in this interim period we have solicitors and we're going through disclosure. However, I want to make a Child Support payment that is fair and reasonable. A full 20% given the above arrangements seems not.
So my questions are:
1. At this juncture are we officially living apart?
2. Does the law recognise my financial contribution to the childcare/school fees? If not, better get the ex to pay something towards them
3. Do I have to use the 20% rule - or is there another way; like getting a one-one agreement on child costs and writing it up in an agreement or court order
I will be speaking to the solicitor at some point - but would like to have this dialogue first.
Hope you can help