Where do you draw the line at helping out your Ex?

what kind of ex? Are we talkin' about an ex gf (with somebody elses kids), are we talkin' an ex spouse as in after a divorce? are we talkin' an ex live in, or what? Each case is different.

I always contact my ex first if my car needs to be taken care of because I know he doesn't do a good job but that he could use the money, and sometimes know he needs the extra money (since he has always done odd jobs on the side). My intention is to be kind and helpful. If he refuses then fine, he just lost himself $500 or more in cash.

If if's an ex friend or ex partner and they are the generous type, like they will pay you for your services, give you lunch or something else, then sure go ahead and take advantage, they're offering.

If it's an ex-spouse and you have their kids then they should be there to help out because it's for the good of their kids. However if they aren't paying their child support then it might be best to call a maintenance person to fix it and pay that maintenance person and then have the ex pay you for calling that maintenance person.

Some exes don't understand that when you call them for help you wish to reimburse them for their time and trouble. And some exes already have a new partner so when you call them it's an imposition so you probably shouldn't call them unless they are a maintenance person and you plan to pay them in cash and they need the cash.

On the other hand, well you didn't say if you're renting or you own the house. If you own the house and something rusts out then the item needs replaced so use your own credit card and if the house is in your exes name then he would pay for it. If the house is in both your names then you'd split the maintenance bill. If there is flooding then "you" would clean it up by yourself. If you don't know how to turn off the water call a maintenance man and ask or ask them to stop by immediately.

If someone has a flat tire well they should have AAA Auto Club or it should be part of their insurance coverage so have them call either of those folks, or fix it themself.

Each case has its own situation, and you deal with it as mature adults. However if you have a new partner then that becomes an inconvenience and you'd merely direct them to someone else so as to not cause grief at home for yourself. I always ask my ex first because I know he can use the money if my car needs maintenance and he is a mechanic. If he turns down $500 or more then it's his loss.

I don't have an ex - after 30 years we are still happily married

helping an ex is like helping a friend or anyone else - help them by giving of your time and/or your expertise. do not help with money unless you are prepared to consider to money to be a gift - if you expect/need to be paid back do not give the money in the first place

I am still friends with my Ex. But actually I am asking this question because I'm writing a novel.

I usually draw the line when ask me for help on something. I don't help my ex with anything for any reason. I don't have any kids or anything. If one asked me for something all they'd hear is a click

Depends on the Ex in question. Mostly I would help out, but my level of loathing for one in particular is so great that I just wouldn't respond!

I don't really stay friends with exes, so it would be weird for them to call me for help. If they did, I'd be courteous, but I'm not going to inconvenience myself for their sake.

If you can't handle it, tell her to call a handyman service, cuz you are NOT hers!

Have a polite day.

Etiquette takes over where laws end.

Why are you STILL communicating with an ex???

In water.

sexual favors