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Hi All
A few years back, my relationship with my Ex deteriorated, mainly due to her new partner. A change in my work required me to travel, and thus I needed her to have my son more frequently. The conclusion of which was that she raised a case with the CMS, and my payments commenced.
Recently I have started a new job, and have been able to have my son again on a 50:50 basis. By this I mean:
* We both have 2 weekdays, and alternate Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
* During school holidays, he is with me for the daytime and the night-time of my "days"
I have contacted CMS, who told me that the case would be closed, and I ceased payments. They have now finally got around to closing it, and have contacted his mum, who agrees that we have shared care, but that:
* She is first point of contact from school (Incorrect, they call me directly too.)
* She takes him to doctors/dentists/optician appointments (Correct, but she has prevented me from doing so, not out of my lack of interest)
* She has the Child Benefit (Only one person may claim this, and I felt that she should, as she is self-employed and I have a salary)
Because of this, Child Maintenance Service are advising that she is Parent with Day-to-Day care responsibilities and I must continue paying!
Now, I take him to his social clubs, swimming lessons, sports etc, all of which she refuses to do. I'd take him for health appointments if she told me when they were. School contacts me directly on "my days".
How do I prove to CMS that I am doing absolutely everything that I can for him, and that she is simply wanting the money? I'm a little aggrieved, as the money doesn't benefit him directly and instead goes to pay for the upbringing of her other four children. If I had to pay, I'd much rather put it into a trust fund for him!
Any advice?
I would speak to the CMS again and ask them what evidence you can provide to prove that you have equal care - at least that way you are hopefully on the right lines. It might be worth contacting your MP.
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