I've started a thread in "Change" on changing the forms - if there's any response I'll ask for other suggestions about what could be changed without resorting to civil disobedience.

Lol Maggie

Could I ask you about this Amanda?
"I look first at the incomes and needs and see if there is a shortfall. If so I calculate that firstly as a monthly figure and then I capitalise it for the period I think a judge would give it for."
Why do you capitalise the maintenance? ie how is that maintenance total used in the overall settlement calculation?

Hi Maggie

I capitalise it so I have the figure to put it very simply. In many cases H does not want to pay maintenance, and having the house is important to W - if I have the capital figure then I can negotiate on those terms. Of course in many cases there is not enough to capitalise it, but having the figure in my notebook means that I dont have to dig out my tables if it is needed. It is just me liking to have things to hand I suppose, and me bearing in mind that a judge has to consider a clean break in all cases where possible.

Amanda

Thanks Amanda for clarifying things so well - this is timely for me as we are about to send off the letter to H to advise that I am initiating proceedings. Luckily I have been gathering financial info for quite a while and it will only need updating, I have also downloaded a form E from the court website for practice! - I find being proactive like this takes my mind off the emotional issues, God knows there have been enough of those.

Hopefully H will see it the same way ( I think I like the 'H' - much nicer than 'him' when I'm in chat or blogging!)

Thanks again Amanda.

Mneme

Here you go Mneme - How to Complete a Form E....you'll get lots of practice now!!!

http://www.wikivorce.com/divorce/Divorce-Forum/Self-Representation/53372-HOW-TO-COMPLETE-A-FORM- E.html

Thanks Amanda !! That will keep me out of mischief.

Mneme
xx