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Child Benefit Rival Claim Ex Partner Earning Loads!!!!! part 2

665 replies

ProlongedAffair · 22/05/2025 14:44

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5294980-child-benefit-rival-claim-ex-partner-earning-loads?reply=144269354

I can’t write on the previous thread anymore, so I’ve created this one for people interested in the outcome of the CMS case. I’m committed to telling people what the outcome is regardless of whether it goes my way or not.

Page 31 | Child Benefit Rival Claim Ex Partner Earning Loads!!!!! | Mumsnet

Me and my ex share 50/50 of our two children, it’s not court ordered but has been in place for the past few years. A few months ago I put in a claim f...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5294980-child-benefit-rival-claim-ex-partner-earning-loads?reply=144269354

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
ProlongedAffair · 07/09/2025 17:45

ARichtGoodDram · 07/09/2025 17:43

I know roughly but I don't have an absolute record. Unless you’ve been to a CMS tribunal, multiple rival child benefit claims, family court etc you wouldn’t know the vast amount of paperwork that’s required, it’s hundreds and hundreds of papers. That’s on top of looking after kids, my work and life admin. So no I don’t know for definite that’s why I’m asking what does happen if they get conflicting info.

I know exactly what's involved with CMS and CB, which is why it's baffling that you wouldn't have an absolute record of when they were with you and when they were with your ex. The fundamental of both the CMS tribunal and CB claims is where the children were and when so your ex is bound to have an exact diary of it I bet.

family court is a new addition though - you said on the first thread there was no court order involved...

You can just make up a diary though and give yourself a few extra nights, so how would they even know?

OP posts:
ARichtGoodDram · 07/09/2025 17:43

I know roughly but I don't have an absolute record. Unless you’ve been to a CMS tribunal, multiple rival child benefit claims, family court etc you wouldn’t know the vast amount of paperwork that’s required, it’s hundreds and hundreds of papers. That’s on top of looking after kids, my work and life admin. So no I don’t know for definite that’s why I’m asking what does happen if they get conflicting info.

I know exactly what's involved with CMS and CB, which is why it's baffling that you wouldn't have an absolute record of when they were with you and when they were with your ex. The fundamental of both the CMS tribunal and CB claims is where the children were and when so your ex is bound to have an exact diary of it I bet.

family court is a new addition though - you said on the first thread there was no court order involved...

Lmnop22 · 07/09/2025 17:03

If I were you, I would agree to drop your claim to the child benefits if he agrees not to pursue you for maintenance.

I know it’s very frustrating that for years you did everything and sacrificed a lot to raise the kids and now he’s swooping in and taking more time once the hard years are done. BUT the courts won’t concern themselves with historical splits because child benefit should go to the CURRENT main care (which you accept, albeit by a small amount) is your ex. And CMS should be paid by the parent who has them less to the parent who has them more (you accept right now, you have them less and he has them more).

This isn’t your money - child benefit and maintenance payments are to help pay for the children. The person paying for the children more right now (and maybe since March) is him. Therefore, he deserves the payment.

I get money might be tight and it’s hard for everyone at the moment, but I think you need to realise you’re not entitled to this money because it’s for children you’re not currently having as much as he is…

If you fight for this money, you anger him more and he will potentially open up a maintenace claim against you with CMS or have the children more and more. You already cut your nose off to spite your face by rocking the boat when he was generously giving you more than you deserved, so stop rocking the boat, accept defeat and start to figure out ways to make some extra money and repair the relationship with your children. The fact your eldest now spends 80% of their time at your ex’s house speaks volumes as to how this conflict is affecting them.

Please just listen to what literally everyone here is telling you, you’re becoming so fixated on this £70 per month or whatever it is that you’re losing perspective.

ProlongedAffair · 07/09/2025 16:45

ARichtGoodDram · 07/09/2025 16:38

And I’m not suggesting lying, I’m just asking what happens if they receive conflicting information. They are asking for dates spanning back to March and I’ve tried my best to work it out accurately but it’s difficult when they are asking for 6 months worth of dates.

You're not seriously expecting anyone to believe that you haven't been keeping accurate notes of when your DC were with you and when they were with their father in the midst of all this?

That's one the most unbelievable thing on this thread, and there's been a few of them.

I know roughly but I don't have an absolute record. Unless you’ve been to a CMS tribunal, multiple rival child benefit claims, family court etc you wouldn’t know the vast amount of paperwork that’s required, it’s hundreds and hundreds of papers. That’s on top of looking after kids, my work and life admin. So no I don’t know for definite that’s why I’m asking what does happen if they get conflicting info.

OP posts:
ARichtGoodDram · 07/09/2025 16:38

And I’m not suggesting lying, I’m just asking what happens if they receive conflicting information. They are asking for dates spanning back to March and I’ve tried my best to work it out accurately but it’s difficult when they are asking for 6 months worth of dates.

You're not seriously expecting anyone to believe that you haven't been keeping accurate notes of when your DC were with you and when they were with their father in the midst of all this?

That's one the most unbelievable thing on this thread, and there's been a few of them.

ProlongedAffair · 07/09/2025 16:18

InterIgnis · 07/09/2025 14:05

Of course she has to engage with the process.

There’s a difference between engaging with it, and fighting it by lying in an attempt to keep money she’s not entitled to, and refusing to pay the maintenance she owes.

He’s said he doesn’t want the maintenance money.

And I’m not suggesting lying, I’m just asking what happens if they receive conflicting information. They are asking for dates spanning back to March and I’ve tried my best to work it out accurately but it’s difficult when they are asking for 6 months worth of dates.

OP posts:
InterIgnis · 07/09/2025 14:05

ThisOldThang · 07/09/2025 14:02

Based upon @ProlongedAffair's previous posts, it's her ex that currently has active claims being processed by child benefits and CMS.

Are you proposing that she doesn't engage with the process?

I agree that she's almost certainly going to lose the youngest's child benefit and any CMS claim, but she might as well let the process play out.

Edited

Of course she has to engage with the process.

There’s a difference between engaging with it, and fighting it by lying in an attempt to keep money she’s not entitled to, and refusing to pay the maintenance she owes.

InterIgnis · 07/09/2025 14:03

SimpleSingleLife · 07/09/2025 13:50

It is fascinating to see how much one tunnel visioned person can damage herself financially.

Start with 2 CB awards and above average maintenance and equal access to the children.

Decide to be greedy and try to get more.

Ask advice off women who largely are in support of women who tell you how good you have it and don’t be greedy

Ignore all advice due to aforementioned greed.

End up with less money, probably no CB, and your children want to see less of you than ever before.

Not the best result.

Add in

’Comes back again to ask for advice, continues to ignore it, and carries on digging even though she’s already at the point where she can’t see daylight above her’

Working in law, I encountered a few that did exactly what OP is doing, although they were actually paying to get advice to ignore. Then, when they’ve managed to fuck themselves in every conceivable way, it’s “This is all your fault! Why didn’t you tell me?”.

Michael Jackson Popcorn GIF
ThisOldThang · 07/09/2025 14:02

CopperWhite · 07/09/2025 11:35

She has the respect of her children to lose.

Can you imagine knowing that the parent you chose to spend more time living with is being attacked by your other parent because she wants to keep the £26 a week the government provides towards your upkeep for herself?

Wouldn’t you think that a good mum would want money intended for her child to actually be spent on her child? Wouldn’t you think that it was a bit crazy of your mum to go after more of your dads money when he was already giving her more than she needed to provide for you?

Based upon @ProlongedAffair's previous posts, it's her ex that currently has active claims being processed by child benefits and CMS.

Are you proposing that she doesn't engage with the process?

I agree that she's almost certainly going to lose the youngest's child benefit and any CMS claim, but she might as well let the process play out.

SimpleSingleLife · 07/09/2025 13:50

It is fascinating to see how much one tunnel visioned person can damage herself financially.

Start with 2 CB awards and above average maintenance and equal access to the children.

Decide to be greedy and try to get more.

Ask advice off women who largely are in support of women who tell you how good you have it and don’t be greedy

Ignore all advice due to aforementioned greed.

End up with less money, probably no CB, and your children want to see less of you than ever before.

Not the best result.

InterIgnis · 07/09/2025 13:38

I don’t think OP has any choice but to see the process through. Whether she fights it or not, this is happening. That said, I’m not sure how ‘fighting it’ means anything other than lying about how much time she has the children (when he undoubtedly will have evidence that disproves whatever she claims), and refusing to pay legally owed child maintenance (which he will undoubtedly pursue). I suppose she could also try and convince her children to spend more time with her, but I’m not sure they’ll be so keen when they know full well the motivation for that is mummy wanting to get paid.

But OP has been shooting herself in the face through this entire process, so why stop now?

Episode 11 Dolph Starbeam GIF by The Simpsons
CopperWhite · 07/09/2025 11:35

ThisOldThang · 06/09/2025 21:56

The OP now has nothing to lose by letting things play out. She will almost certainly lose the child benefit due to the disparity in overnights that had developed. If she sits back and does nothing, she will definitely lose the child benefit.

At least this way it will be an official decision.

She has the respect of her children to lose.

Can you imagine knowing that the parent you chose to spend more time living with is being attacked by your other parent because she wants to keep the £26 a week the government provides towards your upkeep for herself?

Wouldn’t you think that a good mum would want money intended for her child to actually be spent on her child? Wouldn’t you think that it was a bit crazy of your mum to go after more of your dads money when he was already giving her more than she needed to provide for you?

CopperWhite · 07/09/2025 11:25

Yes the kids have been staying more recently with him but before that I did basically everything, so to have my benefits taken that I’ve had for years and for him to stop paying maintenance I feel is wrong.

i have worked for the same company for 15 years, but recently went part time. Someone else has been employed to cover the hours I no longer work. AIBU to think it’s unfair that my wages have been reduced? For all the years I’ve worked there I have done what is expected and fulfilled my obligations, and occasionally I even did overtime, so for them to stop paying me the same as they did before feels wrong.

declutteringmymind · 07/09/2025 11:00

You may be the ‘primary carer’ but if you are 50/50 custody then you are 50/50 financially regardless of where they are registered as a dentist etc.

it’s really that simple.

SheilaFentiman · 07/09/2025 10:03

I don’t agree that anyone is encouraging her, @ARichtGoodDram, but I understand why you do.

Have a nice Sunday.

ARichtGoodDram · 07/09/2025 09:33

No one is encouraging her, though.

They are.

It's been very clear through both threads the OP will absolutely jump on any post that suggests she might win or is right to go on.

Given that it's absolutely akin to encouraging her and the OP should remember that there are people who post on Mn who will offer advice to continue an interesting thread rather than to do what's in her best interests.

She isn't going to win with CB unless she commits fraud. Which will result in CM die from her. She can't change that. She can potentially change the fact her children appear to be getting more and more away from her.

Given the OP's apparent difficulty in understanding her situation it's quite cruel for people to give her any hope of getting the outcome she wants.

ProlongedAffair · 07/09/2025 09:02

Laura95167 · 07/09/2025 08:39

I hope you get back to 50:50 with them both soon

Thanks, so do I. For the people who have private messaged me and haven’t replied or anyone reading this thread:

If you have 50/50, your ex does have a claim to your child benefits and in my case because we had two kids, they gave us one each. This will also open up a whole can of worms with CMS and family court too.

I still think I do more admin and I’m more of the resident primary parent (at least at the beginning of all of this) but child benefits don’t see it that way.

OP posts:
Laura95167 · 07/09/2025 08:39

ProlongedAffair · 07/09/2025 08:18

I will continue to update the thread as I have been doing, I’m sure it must be helping some women who are in these sorts of situations with the child benefit process, CMS, family court etc.

I can’t share the full details of the situation or my relationship with my ex as it would be too outing, I think I’ve already outed myself enough to be honest. The fact is currently he has had both children more, my eldest significantly more and my youngest slightly more, we will see what happens with the child benefit and who they side with. I’m working to redress the imbalance with my children.

I hope you get back to 50:50 with them both soon

ProlongedAffair · 07/09/2025 08:18

I will continue to update the thread as I have been doing, I’m sure it must be helping some women who are in these sorts of situations with the child benefit process, CMS, family court etc.

I can’t share the full details of the situation or my relationship with my ex as it would be too outing, I think I’ve already outed myself enough to be honest. The fact is currently he has had both children more, my eldest significantly more and my youngest slightly more, we will see what happens with the child benefit and who they side with. I’m working to redress the imbalance with my children.

OP posts:
SheilaFentiman · 07/09/2025 07:18

ARichtGoodDram · 06/09/2025 22:47

She's definitely going to lose the child benefit anyway.

She's further damaging her relationship with her children. For nothing.

Encouraging her to do so is really quite bizarre.

No one is encouraging her, though.

At this point, it’s her ex taking the actions (re the second CB). She has to respond with info but otherwise, she has to wait and see.

ARichtGoodDram · 06/09/2025 22:48

I just hope for the sake of the children this is actually a troll thread that's taken a lot of us in.

ARichtGoodDram · 06/09/2025 22:47

ThisOldThang · 06/09/2025 21:56

The OP now has nothing to lose by letting things play out. She will almost certainly lose the child benefit due to the disparity in overnights that had developed. If she sits back and does nothing, she will definitely lose the child benefit.

At least this way it will be an official decision.

She's definitely going to lose the child benefit anyway.

She's further damaging her relationship with her children. For nothing.

Encouraging her to do so is really quite bizarre.

user1473878824 · 06/09/2025 22:18

ProlongedAffair · 06/09/2025 22:08

exactly this!

Then why are you questioning everything and expecting an answer where you get what you want?

ProlongedAffair · 06/09/2025 22:08

ThisOldThang · 06/09/2025 21:56

The OP now has nothing to lose by letting things play out. She will almost certainly lose the child benefit due to the disparity in overnights that had developed. If she sits back and does nothing, she will definitely lose the child benefit.

At least this way it will be an official decision.

exactly this!

OP posts:
ThisOldThang · 06/09/2025 21:56

The OP now has nothing to lose by letting things play out. She will almost certainly lose the child benefit due to the disparity in overnights that had developed. If she sits back and does nothing, she will definitely lose the child benefit.

At least this way it will be an official decision.

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