University Costs

I am struggling to reach a final settlement with my wife. Main issue is I am offering her most of the capital, she then wants SM at a higher level for 4 years before dropping and I have one child at Uni now with one due to go in 20 months.

I cant afford to pay her the level of SM she wants, buy a house (will be smaller than her''s) and support my children through Uni.

I requested an amount of money from the sale of the marital home to be made available, but she refused claiming lack of funds.

What worries me is that a judge will not take into account the fact that my stated outgoing include paying Uni accommodation fees for both. So in the end I would have to make a choice between a house for myself and my children''s education. That choice is easy, but is it fair to be denied the ability to buy a house when my wife would have a nice house nearly mortgage free with my SM easily covering her mortgage payments.

Could your wife share the Uni Accommodation costs?

I might argue yes if I paid her the maintenance she is after, but no if I paid her what I suggest.

I am also having a dilemma over university costs. I have 4 children, my eldest has just gone to uni and has managed to get a student loan for fees. He did get some help with accommodation fees but I had to pay the outstanding balance and I pay him an allowance. I expect my other 3 children will want to do some sort of further education, my eldest is very horsey and will want to take that further after A levels. I am going to my FDR in 10 days and I have just received an open offer from my spouse saying that I have to pay all 3 children''s remaining school fees. He hasn''t mentioned further education fees. Should I ask my solicitor to mention the fact that it doesn''t end with school fees and university should be factored in as well. I am due to put forward an offer next week

I don''t know any of your history or circumstances - does your wife not work or is she unable to work? SM isn''t mandatory if your wife is able to work she will be expected to maximise her income, in the eyes of the law both children being over 18 are classed as adults even though at university. Depending on her income if she is a low earner when they apply for student finance they will get maximum loans, grants etc... unless things have changed recently with student finance.
I can only go on my past experience - but getting SM is very difficult to get - unless there are exceptional circumstances and your wife cannot work due to illness?
Have you spoken to a solicitor regarding the SM? You both need to be housed and unless you are a very high earner in my opinion she''ll be lucky if she gets SM - (how long in she asking for SM from?) I would speak to a solicitor to get some advice most offer a free hour advice - but make sure you speak to one who specialises in family law.