Tamborine - you make me mad. it is not the reaponsibility of the absent parent to cater for every need and whim of a child - and who has that amount of money?! The parent with care has as much responsibility for providing for the children. People should not have to buy the affection of their children and children should not have to know about their parents financial affairs. It's so sad that people can not just behave like grown ups and put their children first. Also there are useless mothers out there too who give up work, don't pay and will avoid paying at any cost!
Stevie - if you were to pay for your kids you would pay 15% of your take home pay for one child and 5% for every other child - so with three you would pay 25% of your wages. ts really important to make sure you pay her in a way you can prove. Pay direct to her bank. If she won't agree then contact the csa and arrange to pay through them. She would then loose money if she is on benefits - so it may make her think a bit about how much access she wants to give you?