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Hello
I wasn’t sure what subject to post this under with the matter being fairly complex.
I split with my ex three years ago, and the matter to resolve contact issues is still in the court process.
I have a couple of issues what concern me in relation to the financial aspects, one being child maintenance and the benefits my ex claims.
We have three boys, who are 11, 9 and three.
My eldest lives with his grandmother, only going to his mothers at weekends at best
The other two reside with their mother, and they both have autism.
On Thursday I had a phone call saying my middle son was in the care of the authorities as my ex can’t cope ( she’s recently met someone and became pregnant- with the baby being due next month)
I pay child maintenance to my ex, and I believe my ex claims all benefits based on all three children living with her - when they don’t.
Is there anything I can do to ensure that the payments made from my part go to whom ever the two children reside with?
And in terms of benefits- should I make the dwp aware of her change of circumstances?
One concern I have is my ex has a specially adapted house for the purpose of our middle son and his additional needs? Surely with her change of circumstances this has to be looked into
Thanks
Jonathan
You probably need to have a chat with the CMS with regard to your liability if two of the children are no longer living with the mother.
I would say that her mother should be claiming child benefit for the oldest child - on that basis, some of your child maintenance could then be paid to her (she would need to open a case with CMS, or you could do it). One benefit to he claiming child benefit, I believe, is that the total amount of child benefit paid would be higher (so free money) as the first child gets a higher rate, and both of your ex and her mother would be getting that.
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