For years, I endured financial, physical, and sexual abuse within my marriage. In 2024, I finally found the strength to leave. Instead of allowing our children stability and healing, my ex-husband retaliated in the most devastating way: he took me to court, lied about me, and tried to take my children away.

To defend myself against false allegations, I was forced to spend over £8,000 on family lawyers —money I simply did not have—just to prove I was a safe and loving mother. During this time, he took my children, my home, and everything I had worked for. I was left with nothing. I was terribly let down by local authorities too. 

Despite earning £34,000 at the time of our split, I got made redundant shortly after and was jobless. I am now carrying over £30,000 of debt, much of it accumulated during the relationship and the legal battle that followed. Meanwhile, my ex-husband earns over £50,000 a year in his main role, and continues to profit from a catering business we once owned—income he does not declare. I am now having to stay at a friends house and have done for the past 12 months.  

Although we now share care of our children, he refuses to transfer even one child benefit to me. Without it, I am only eligible for a one‑bedroom flat, with the local council despite caring for our children half the time.

I am just trying to rebuild my life one day at a time and he is still controlling things financially.

Under the current child maintenance system, I am required to pay him £345 every month. He refuses direct payments, forcing me to pay an additional 20% fee, pushing me even further into hardship.

This system is failing parents like me.

Why the System Must Change

The current child maintenance formula looks only at the paying parent’s income. It ignores:

1. The receiving parent’s income
2. The true financial reality of shared care
3. Existing debts or hardships
4. Situations where one parent earns significantly more
5. Cases where the lower‑earning parent is already financially vulnerable

A fair system would consider both parents’ incomes, as many other countries already do. Research consistently shows that children thrive when both homes are financially stable. A dual‑income model would create a more balanced, just, and modern approach to child support—one that reflects real family dynamics and protects children from unnecessary hardship.

What We Are Calling For

We urge policymakers to:

1. Reform the child maintenance calculation
2. Consider both parents’ incomes and financial circumstances
3. Ensure shared‑care arrangements are reflected fairly
4. Reduce the risk of financial abuse through the system itself

Why Your Signature Matters

This is not just my story. Thousands of parents are trapped in similar situations, punished financially after escaping abusive relationships. The system, as it stands, allows financial control to continue long after the relationship ends.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for:

• Fairness
• Protection for survivors of abuse
• Financial stability for children
• A modern, balanced child maintenance system

Together, we can push for a system that supports families instead of breaking them.

Please sign and share. Your voice can help change the law and protect countless families from injustice.