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I could use some advice. I have been seperated for over two years. Me and my ex agreed to joint custody which with us both working shifts was tough but we managed.
Approximately 8 months ago she got a new job working 9 to 5 which meant the kids now spend more time her its less disruptive and we dont have to rely on family as much. I made it clear im also trying to find a job with similar working hours so we can get back to 50/50.
The children have always been registered as living with me in the family home and as im still single and earn less i can claim tax credits which i half with her. She now wants the children registered as living with her. This would also mean we would lose tax credits as she has a new partner and they dont qualify.
She did try and change the our sons choice of new school a few months ago...something we had always agreed on. Where do i stand? Can she just simply register them as living with her.
I still have them every other weekend. Friday to Sunday/Monday. Every third week i pick them up from school and drop them off in the evening all week. School holidays i take time off and other odd days shifts allowing.
Financially im struggling. If i lose the tax credits as well im not sure how i will cope apart from doing loads of overtime which in turn means less time with the kids. Too many sleepless nights over this. Please help
Hi there
Have you had a discussion with her about continuing to claim the tax credits, it shouldn’t be a problem for her as she wouldn’t qualify as you say. As you split it with her, perhaps you could suggest that one of the children stays registered with you and the other with her (I’m assuming there are 2 children).
As they are spending more time with her, she does have the right to register them at her address.
I would try and keep your relationship with her as amicable as possible. Once she has the children registered with her, she could claim Child Maintenance from you, the fact that you pick them up from school every 3rd week wouldnt count towards a reduction in the amount you could be asked to pay, only overnights would be used to calculate an amount.
All the best
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