Child Maintenance for Stepchildren

just a point I read, i think it irrelavent she banked the CM from the bio father, whether she spends it on kids clothes, gas bill or vodka, or saves it is irrelavent, he pays it end of, I would have thought. If, she hadnt have been with you she probably couldnt have saved it, but maybe she intends giving it to the kids when they get their own place?

Hi again,

There is no statute that says it has to end at 18 but you are not the biological father and the children are classed as adults when they attain that age.

I therefore feel it could form part of your statement of issues, should you be asked to contribute.

I have avoided the issue of meal tickets in order to remain non-judgemental, this does not mean I do not have an opinion. Sadly, your stbx does appear to have her own agenda to the detriment of the children''s needs.

I hope you will be able to maintain and enjoy a good relationship with your step children once this is all over.

Best wishes,

NWTT.

Interesting perspective Bobbingalong, but thanks anyway.

I don''t really want to get hung up on what she did with the money; I am not going to ever see any of it, and I was a fool to take on all of the financial responsibilities when she could have been contributing.

Biological father does take exception to how the funds have been used (or haven''t been used), and has taken the decision to stop paying.

His decision to stop paying looks like it could have an impact upon my finances going forward. I want to believe that there is a due process that has to be followed, in order to establish whether he can continue to meet his obligations (or part of them), before they start chasing me.

Hope this clarifies the question.

Thanks NWTT.

Yes, I had a great relationship with stepchildren, but sadly STBX won''t let them have anything at all to do with me now, despite everything that I have done for her/them over the years.

Thanks again.

Please don''t dwell on it, they are of an age where they may say nothing but see everything. Children are like sponges, they soak everything up and it drips back out.

They will be able to act for themselves and it might be sooner than you think.

You also have indirect contact via your own child, remember to send your love, birthday/christmas cards and small gifts (£5) in a card. They will come back given time.

NWTT. x

Me again Paraclete - I am currently going though the court for an increase in SM payments my youngest will soon be 18 and out of full time education he wants to go to uni. Hence out of full time education I lose CSA, CTC, CB - I therefore will have just over £600 a month to live on I cannot work due to illness. Explained to the judge that my son wants to go to uni and live at home so needs travels cost and extras - his father earns£85k+ - I was told as he''s 18 he''s responsible for himself - not my responsibility??? I disagree but I''m a mother. His father said if he needs help from him he would have to apply for mainteneance direct from him under the children''s act! Unfortunately no legal aid so not an option! when I explained to the judge I couldn''t afford to pay rent and bills for myself + other child who''s unemployed never mind supporting the one who wants to go to uni - she just said well he''ll have to get a job then?? bizarre - so back to your problem once a child is out of full time education - they are responsible for themselves and if they want help for uni they will have to do like mine was told apply to their bio father for money!
It''s a shame that your STBX won''t let you have anything to do with them and I guess that really hurts however they are of an age where they''ll have phones etc. so contact them try keep in touch.
Good luck with everything - I still think sensibly you shouldn''t be responsible for them financially but who knows ?

Its not unreasonable to ask an adult child living at home to contribute to the bills. I dont think there is anything bizare in the judges statement and its not an impossible task to hold down a job and study while at university. This country just got used to getting a free university education for too long.

Paraclete- first port of call is ALWAYS the biological father. Considering he has historically paid, and his where-abouts are known, he will be persued