Do I have to declare a dependent

hayleyp74

hi, I’ve split from my husband and we have a 9 year old daughter... we are sharing custody equally so no- one is paying maintenance.. our child benefit goes in a joint account still... which one of us has to declare a dependent when applying for a mortgage. Both? Or can I say my ex as he’s already sorted with a place to live? Thanks

Thrugelmir

Do you already have a joint mortgage ? 

hayleyp74

No we’ve sold the house. My ex has got a property already. I’m applying for a sole mortgage.. I’m self employed so it’s proofing difficult.. we have joint custody of our daughter. In fact my ex probably has her slightly more...

MWT

I would suggest that you talk to a broker, they can help you find the best lender for your circumstances as getting a mortgage while self-employed isn't easy right now.

If you were applying for benefits then the person who actually claims the child benefit would be the one declaring a dependent, but in this case it is about affordability so both of you have child related costs so both should be showing those costs if you were applying for a mortgage, but different lenders have different policies so again, a broker would be your best bet...

hayleyp74

Thank you.. yes the child benefit goes into a joint account we’re keeping open to pay for her outside school activities... all very confusing!!
it is proofing hard at the moment and it’s doses have a big impact on the amount I can borrow. 

unforeseen

hayleyp74 said:

Thank you.. yes the child benefit goes into a joint account we’re keeping open to pay for her outside school activities... all very confusing!!
it is proofing hard at the moment and it’s doses have a big impact on the amount I can borrow. 

Yes, but whose name is the claim actually in? 

hayleyp74

Good point!! Not sure!!

ACG

You need to speak to the lender. 
I remember once have a similar case, but the couple had 2 kids. The lender allowed me to put 1 child on the application but I am not sure how you do that with half a kid. Who gets the half that eats and gives you jip?

I would guess that you will probably need to declare the child as a dependant but I am not sure, good question though. One I have not come across before. I am due a call back from some lenders this afternoon so I will ask them more for my benefit but will let you know what they say. 

hayleyp74

That would be great thank you!