children living abroad

[africa]

HI
I have two children 11 and 14 and there mother my ex wife has just informed me that she is taking the kids to live in africa, will i still have to pay maintenance to her

[oldgrape]

i would assume so even if by law you don't i would think you would want to help support your children

[miacat]

Is that really your most pressing worry when your children are being taken to another country? Perhaps you should re-evaluate?

[Reverandfunk]

As a responsible father wouldnt you want to pay for their upkeep no matter what country they lived in

[natalie_1982]

Erm, firstly, isn't the fact that your ex is taking your children to another country more of a concern?!

I don't know how it would work due to the general cost of living in Africa being so low compared to over here. It depends what country she planning on taking them to, but in The Gambia, for example, the average wage is only �20 per month so your maintence (assuming it is more than �5 per week!) is likely to be adequate enough to look after your ex and the children, including paying their rent and food costs!

I would suggest that a reasonable amount of the maintenence goes to your ex for food, clothes, essentials, etc but that whatever is remaining you pay into an account for your children to have when they are old enough. Due to the difference in the cost of living I don't think you should be expected to subsidise your ex's life but it wouldn't hurt to continue paying as you are but ensuring that your children and receiving it.

Hope that makes sense, I'm a bit tired and Corrie is on so that mightn't have come across very well - sorry!

[africa]

No this is not my only worry i am absolutley gutted that she is taking them away from me. She is not going on her own she is going with her new partner who has a really good job to go to with a house a maid and a gardener. She will also have a job out there. And remeber she is taking my children away from me and I do not have a say in it. so please dont judge me without knowing all of the facts.
Also I have already looked in to putting the money away for the children as i know then that they will get it when the time is right. I feel that i should not have to subsidise her and her partner and their life easier when they have not made mine and my partners easy.

[Mantha79]

I'm going through the same thing, only I am on the other end. Regardles of whether they are moving to a large house with a maid and gardner, you are still their father? It does not matter who left who, or who was in the wrong, or who has the most money? it is your responsibility to provide towards their up bringing?? If your ex does not spend it in the correct amnor, then let tha lie on her concience? and you can feel proud that you are doing the honourable thing? keep records of how much you send, and how often, so as they acn see when they are old enough if need be, and in return, she should be making every effort to allow them to call you, write to you, send pictures and arrange to bring them back once a year, and allow you to come over to see them.

[Mantha79]

sorry about all the spelling errors, I too am very tired, after fighting this battle in court yesterday...
I hope all goes well for you.

[harleybobs]

Hi according to the csa's booklet if the parent with full care rights i.e your ex moves to another coumtry then you dont have to pay, but she could take you to court and then make you pay something, contact them and ask for advice.