Linda's story
Linda had been married for 20 years when she discovered her husband was having an affair. They separated soon after, but she didn't know how to go about getting child maintenance for her two children, aged 13 and 16.
She decided to call Child Maintenance Options, and found out she could make a family-based arrangement with the children's dad. Despite the affair, they had managed to stay civil with one another for the sake of the children.
Linda, who works as a driving instructor, said "The information Options gave me made me feel really empowered. I was feeling confused and talking to them was like a breath of fresh air. I am so relieved to be on speaking terms with my ex-husband, as I didn't want things to get nasty for the children's sake or for them to be dragged into any arguments."
Linda and her ex sat down and worked out an arrangement that suits them both. Her ex-partner now pays the bills and has set up a standing order for the mortgage and household insurance. Linda added "I am very happy with our agreement, and I wouldn't ever ask for more money. Our relationship is friendly and he often pops over to the house. That would have been unimaginable three months ago."
