After divorce it's not uncommon for one party to have to pay alimony or spousal support and child support. In most instances, but not always, it will be the man. There are established guidelines for circumstances, and in the case of child support, how much should be paid.
A lawyer will be able to give full details, but it's worth knowing what to expect in the circumstances, whether you're the one who's going to have to pay or be the one receiving money.
Spousal Support
Spousal support isn't awarded in all cases, by any means. But where one spouse has abandoned a career to raise the children, there's likely to be maintenance, especially if that person has few job skills.
On the other hand, where someone highly skilled has given up work to raise the children, the court will take that skill into account. Another factor that will be considered is the job market in the area - how easy is it for the person to obtain employment?
Bear in mind that spousal support is usually only awarded for a limited time (of course, there are exceptions). If financial circumstances change for either party, they can apply to the court for a change in support.
Child Support
Child support is, naturally, a must. The final figure can be decided between the parties themselves, through mediation, solicitors or by a formula used by a Child Support Agency.
The CSA comes up with its figures by calculating net income of the person who'll have to pay (for these purposes net income is earnings of any kind, minus tax and National Insurance contributions. Pensions and working tax credits are included, although, if your pension is what pays your mortgage, only 75% of it is included as income).In essence, if your net is greater than £200 a week, you'll pay 15% of it for one child, 20% of it for two and 25% for three children. That figure can change if some of the children are living with you, if you pay the mortgage on the home where they live, school fees, or if the children regularly stay with you during the week.
It sounds complex, but there's actually logic behind it and a strong attempt to be fair to all parties (but most especially the children).
Lower Incomes
There are those who make a net income of less than £200 but still have to pay child support, In those cases it's harder to figure out exactly, but as a rough guide, estimate £5 a week on top of which there's a percentage for the amount over £100 you make.
Where the net income is under £100 a week - which generally means the person is on benefits, the rate to be paid is £5 per child per week, which can be directly deducted from the benefit payments.
There are also circumstances where you should be paying benefits, but legally you don't have to. However, these are quite specialised. Essentially you'd have to be a full-time student aged 16-19, or be a nursing home resident and receiving aid to pay your fees.
Make Sure You Pay
Regularly in the press there are stories about those who don't make their child support payments. It's important to pay every month, on time. When that doesn't happen the people who are hurt are the children, and whatever caused the breakdown of the relationship, they shouldn't be the ones hurt because of it.
If you have to pay and your circumstances change, you can apply to have your payments re-calculated.
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