how does the term 'absent parent' fit all?

Fiona - I think we're both speaking truthfully from experience and that only emphasises the reason I started the thread - That human life is more complicated than the formula used by the courts/CSA (or whatever they call themselves now - continuity CSA?)

Anecdotally, yours is the only case I've heard of where things were settled in the father's favour and I can't see how that came about through the CSA formula (Where the parent with the CB receives 15% of the other's income even if they only have the child one night a week - the days calculator doesn't go beyond half the week) or even if their own is ten times that of their ex. Please don't think I'm doubting your word - Just if there is a way around the CSA to a fair system, I'd like to know it.

Re father's working practices - I would have given my right arm to stay at home with my child in his early years (as, for the record, would my ex) but it just wasn't realistic financially (This is with the lowest level housing, one very old car between us and no holidays). I would think it isn't for most which is another sad comment on the country we've allowed to come into being.