Starting child maintenance

Hi everyone!
Just looking for some advice. My STBX left the MH mid November and has moved into a rented house. He is still paying mortgage on our 2nd home in France but no mortgage in UK. I am still waiting for him to approve Petition and statement of arrangements for our 2 children so we can send to Court.
He is refusing to commence child maintenance until the joint financial assets are split unless I pay half the French mortgage i.e. they cancel each other out. I am not willing to so this as I am paying all MH household bills and childcare costs. Can anyone tell me whether this is acceptable or if the Courts view child maintenance as a completely separate topic i.e. he should be paying regardless.
Thanks everyone.

Look on the CSA website.

I believe these matters are kept separate.

You also need to see if you are entitled to any other benefits as well, you should certainly be entitled to 25% reduction in council tax as a lone adult as I presume he is paying elsewhere. Contact the CAB for more advice.

Thanks Spooky
I've emailed CSA today to get their take on things. Just very aware I don't want to antagonise him before we can agree Petition and financial assets split.

Child maintenance is paid through the CSA unless you come to an agreed amount.

The CSA has an online calculator (you don't have to put names in) which will give you an idea of a figure. Do remember that the CSA does not include university support so make sure that is dealt with in the eventual settlement.

You can get a free half an hour with either the legal team at the top of the page (on the phone) or contact one in your area who specialises in family law. You can get a good idea of what is required if you ask the right questions and go armed with the relevant financial details.