If a father’s children live in rented accommodation with their mother then part of his maintenance obligation towards them as minors will be connected with this. Normally it is accepted that the father should pay a third of the costs of accommodation where just one child lives with the mother in a rented apartment. The share of the accommodation cost rises to 40% of the cost when there are two children, and to 50% for three children.

It should be noted that even if the children live in the family home and not in a rented apartment the above proportions of the ‘running costs’ can be claimed as part of the accommodation element of their maintenance. A portion of the municipality tax, electricity , gas and telephone bills can be claimed for, as well as part of the television licence, cable t.v. and repairs. The only difference is , of course, that where the custodial parent has to rent accommodation, a proportion of the rental cost can be claimed in addition.