Budgets

I have been trying to work out exactly what I need to budget to live a life that I am used to. By that I don''t mean some playboy lifestyle jetting off on holidays 3 times a year and buying flash cars, I mean everyday costs and an acceptable lifestyle.

I have gone through and worked out that I can just about cover costs without taking into account any money for social life, clothes, emergencies etc...

How will a court decide whether I should pay spousal payments? Just because I earn more than my stbx doesn''t mean I''m rolling in money. I still have to cover the same bills, a flat will still cost the same to heat if it''s just me or 2 people for example, so you can''t say my heating is less because it''s just me.

I have seen a spreadsheet that a solicitor sent a friend that I will go through that covers everything you can think of, including toiletries, clothes you name it. Will a court take all that into consideration or will they say, tough, live in the cold and wear the same clothes for a year longer????

Hopefully you get the idea, I just don''t know how it''s worked out whether I can afford spousal or not?

''Reasonable living costs'' should be taken into account for both parties.

If you have £s left over after meeting all your costs, but your stbx is not able to meet her reasonable costs, then this will be taken into account.

It will also be taken into account if your stbx could maximise her income - whether that''s getting a job, increasing hours etc.

Remember to deduct any CM payments too (which will be added to her income) - have a look at this spreadsheet here (sounds similar to the one your mate had)

Thanks for that. The thing is I look at what I need to get by and I break even, or maybe I might have £50 left. But that''s not including clothes or other incidentals. I spoke to a friend recently who said when they got divorced they listed all these things but how do you budget for clothes? I mean I go out and buy a shirt or shoes when I need them or want something new to replace a worm out item. What''s the usual amount people put aside to cover all these things. Domestic bills are fine, I can work those out it''s the other unknowns like having money to cover car breakdowns, servicing, hairdressing etc.. If I budgeted a realistic amount for all those I''d be hundreds over my salary (maybe why I''m always over drawn!)

Anyone have a realistic example of outgoings that were accepted as reasonable by a court?

Anyone? Thanks

My spreadsheet was a reasonable list of outgoings

If it isn''t sufficient, I''m not really sure what you''re after.

When I made my list I put down everything and like you was spending hundreds more a month than had coming in - naturally that''s not what happened as you cut down on things accordingly. Why not put down what is a reasonable amount and what you would spend if you could afford to? It''s difficult for people to suggest figures as I guess some people would think spending £100 a month on clothes is reasonable some would say £40 is reasonable some would say don''t put anything down. I just put small reasonable amounts down which I though people wouldn''t question. Most people don''t budget for clothes, haircuts etc.. I like you just buy stuff when needed. It''s a difficult one to answer but good luck though.

Yeah, that''s my point really, you find the money one month and deal with the consequences the next. Whiterose, that sheet was very useful thanks, my main issue was that if I budgeted even small amounts for everything It exceeds my income by some way! I just wanted to get an idea of what is reasonable to put n a budget.

Thanks