He is a pharmacist, probably earning at least 40-50,000 pounds a year (he won't tell me how much he earns). We are trying to reach a private agreement, rather than go through the courts. He has never paid child support, I couldn't find him until recently. We have two children, but only one child is still a minor. He has proposed paying child support in the amount of 50 pounds a week. This is ridiculously low by U.S. standards considering his salary, but he lives in Scotland, and I am curious as to whether this sounds like a reasonable amount by U.K. standards?
2007-03-15 18:07:24 · 19 answers · asked by school_daze_47 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Ooops, I meant to say he has proposed to pay just 50 dollars, not 50 pounds, a week in child support, which I think is about 25 pounds, right?
2007-03-15 18:38:34 · update #1
Some of the responses suggest that I can't enforce a child support order against him, if I go to court, because I live in the U.S. and he's in the U.K. Not true! For anyone in a similar situation, check out the REMO legislation (Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders). Many countries are a party to this arrangement, including the U.K. and most states in the U.S. Here is the U.K. website, www.dca.gov.uk/family/remo/faq.htm; also www.csa.gov mentions it. For the U.S. look at the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement's website, at www.oce.gov. I know that I can get an order and have it enforced through the Scottish Executive, but I'd like to avoid the animosity for our children's sake.
2007-03-16 01:28:25 · update #2
I believe it is 25% of his salary. Don't fall for that that nonsense and insist on going through the courts.
He's trying to persuade you to have a private agreement and it isn't for your benefit.
Okay - I just read your child's question, too. I didn't realise you weren't in the same country. My exhusband hasn't paid a penny because he's in another country. My kids hold it against him and will do so forever. I'd tell him that's ridiculous and can't he come up with something that follows the laws of the country he is in.
2007-03-15 23:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by True Blue Brit 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi, I'm a lawyer specialising in divorce law (England and Wales), so the law may be different in the States.
Under the Child Support Act, the husband has to pay 15% of his net income for one child, 20% for 2, and 25% for three or more.
Net income is what he earns after paying income tax, national insurance and any pension contributions.
I presume that you have issued court proceedings in the States, however you could if you wish issue in the UK as your husband is domiciled here.
In most cases, a consent order is drawn up dealing with all financial matters, including child maintenance on the above formula.
2007-03-16 01:06:09 · answer #2 · answered by david 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is what 200 dollars a month, that really isn't that low, as we would be paying 250 if we were paying child support. If you are going to do it privately then you might have to deal with whatever he says. You can go though the court, but it also brings into consideration how much you make, how old the child is, how many other people he is obligated towards. I don't know what the specifics are for scotland, or if they will force him to pay depending on where you are living, if you are in the US and he is there then count your blessings that he is offering to pay.
2007-03-15 19:26:39 · answer #3 · answered by Hawaiisweetie 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You really need to find out what his current salary is as not all pharmacists make huge amounts of money.
I recon, based on one child, and the Child Support Agency's general guidelines that you'd be looking at a total of about 15% of his net salary monthly, depending on what visitation you have in place. 20% or so for two.
It varies so much, dependent on when he sees them, who's paying for travel etc.
If he's never paid before and has essentially 'got away with' the first child I would suspect that you are in quite a strong bargaining position but only you know your circumstances.
2007-03-16 05:18:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could contact the CSA, they will calculate 20% of his earnings for 1st child.
http://www.csa.gov.uk
This site will show you how they can get this money for you.
If its going to be hard to track him down, then they will put your case to the bottom of the pile and it may take a while to actually get anything.
Not sure whether a solicitor would be of any help, other than put you onto the CSA. And besides the CSA dont charge, they enforce legislation in child support. Does he support them in any other way, such as taking them on holiday or buying them gifts? If he cares for their emotional needs and their welfare, you may be better off taking what he offers, if its a casual arrangement and an income you dont have to declare. Whatever, I always think you should weigh up the rewards you have and the pleasure you will have in bringing up the children, watching them grow and develop whereas he wont. His loss.........not yours! Good luck.
2007-03-15 20:34:36 · answer #5 · answered by hollyb20 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well through the csa it was 15% of monthly takehome. But im not sure now. I would be look at least £400/500 uk pds a month. Bringing up a child is expensive!
2007-03-16 06:39:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon the laws in the UK. In the States, most of them have a simple guideline of how much to pay.
2007-03-15 18:17:52 · answer #7 · answered by Magicman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you even think of making an agreement with someone that has completely screwed you for so long? I would speak to a couple good attorneys
2007-03-15 18:32:35 · answer #8 · answered by Gian D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My fella's ex pays £5 a week for 2 kids !!!
2007-03-16 06:15:37 · answer #9 · answered by cavviecath 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a lawyer. do not try to reach a private agreement. the lawyer can work out how much is needed.
2007-03-15 18:49:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋