50/50 split and Child Benefit

MishterTea

Hi,

My partner's ex recently decided to have a 50/50 split on looking after their children. His reason for doing this was so that he could reduce his maintenance payments - they currently have a private agreement. Today, my partner has received a letter stating that he is now trying to claim the Child Benefit she currently receives too.

My partner is just about to be made redundant and earned very little anyhow. He, as far as I'm aware, has two jobs and a far greater income than her.

Can he do this? Who can my partner speak to for advice? Would she benefit from going through CSA?

Any advice greatly appreciated. It feels like he's effectively transferring the cost of his children to me which somehow seems wrong.

Thanks,
- MishterTea

NASA_2

I know its a 50/50 arrangement but who has them the longest? Or are they handed over exactly half way through the week?

As for him transferring the cost of 'his' kids - arent they your partners kids too? If your finances are entwined with her then naturally it will impact on your household income?

Aarons_mummy

The child benefit will go to whoever has main residence, so drs surgery, school etc.

CSA do a calculation on earnings and then reduce the payments for how many overnight stays there are, other children etc. If you google CSA calculator you can get a rough estimate of how much she would get through CSA and either decide to go through them or speak to ex to review their private arrangement.

Soubrette

Who has them the most nights?

missbunbury

This is a very important point: if the child benefit is in one parent's name, that is the parent who can make a CSA claim against the other.