Children's financial needs with separated couple

Answered 4 years ago

I'm separated from my spouse. They pay me child support as they earn nearly triple what I do but due to my work shifts/commitments I only have our children 6 out of 14 nights. Hoping to get 50/50 by xmas.
I'm hoping to get some input from people about how they split finances for the children's needs. I'm not talking about everyday expenses like clothing, food. I'm taking about health costs, health insurance and out of pocket (my ex has the children on their health insurance although I asked if I could). Also extra curricular activities ( our children are doing something at least twice a week each and mostly on the days I have them).
I'm not trying to be difficult. I want my children to get the best care but it's a struggle with money and time.
I dont spend money on myself that is over the top. I have a simple phone plan (need it for work anyway), I dont holiday or go out partying. I lead a pretty quiet life so I'm not wasting money.
Thank you

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Answers

ANSWER

4 years ago

See a lawyer

0 Reply

ANSWER

4 years ago

Why do you need to have the children on your private health if the partner already has it covered? (not asking to be difficult, just seems logical to keep it that way if finances are tighter for you than them).

I don't have private health, and so far my children haven't required anything medical that involved costs (other than scripts or flu vaccines etc) but with extracurricular activities it's usually halved, or ill pay the fees which are cheaper and they pay for the equipment and shoes etc which often works out bit pricier.

0 Reply

4 years ago

Because I dont trust that they won't cancel the insurance without informing me

0 Reply

4 years ago

You know if they did that you can cover the kids with no waiting periods and maybe get an agreement. With our medical system the last thing I’d be worrying about is private health when Medicare covers basically everything

3 Reply

4 years ago

Why do the kids need private health anyway?

3 Reply

4 years ago

Because one of our children has additional health needs

0 Reply

ANSWER

4 years ago

Honestly - you sound very difficult. Firstly, they have the kids MORE than you but they still have to pay you child support, now you are asking for more?
You should be grateful that your ex is happy to have the children to work around your commitments and then PAY you for it.
Jeez, it's women like you that give us all a bad name.

3 Reply

4 years ago

Yep you’re 💯. Not the exes fault she’s financially incapable.

3 Reply

4 years ago

It's not always by choice, clink expects the higher earner to pay, she could just not work and have the kids all the time, that would cost her ex a lot more.

2 Reply

4 years ago

True but maybe the ex prefers them having the kids 8 /14 nights? Maybe the ex doesn't want to have them less than 50/50?

0 Reply

4 years ago

This is a very aggressive reply. As a couple I was asked to be the one to stay home while they worked and studied to improve our lives together. I took care of everything else so they could concentrate on work and study. I supported them because that is what committed partners do.
Well our relationship didn't work out so before we separated I started to study so that I could earn and support our children as a single parent.
I am completing a course which involves placement and shift work. So right now I cannot have the children more than I already do. As I said that should change to 50/50 by xmas.
So I was just asking a question with no menace involved and you decide to attack me??
I'm expecting to be making near or as much as the ex as soon as I've finished my course. Shame you couldn't just answer instead of adding meanness .

1 Reply

ANSWER

4 years ago

We just pay the minimum child support, and one week vacswim in summer holidays when the kids are with us. If the kids need medical attention when with us we would pay. We put money away for the kids to use for education once they finish high school. Our situation is different to most, it's not in kids best interests for us to pay half.

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