Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to be devastated at my ex claiming CB to block me receiving it. I'm on UC he earns 120k+

128 replies

Heartbrokenanddevastated · 21/08/2026 17:51

My ex earns six figures. I was absolutely blindsided by the break up. As a SAHM I was financially dependent, having invested all my money into our shared home. I am now on benefits, absolutely financially cut off. After months of him withholding our DC. We now have court ordered 50 50. My ex when we were together told me not to bother claiming child benefit as due to his high income it would have to be repaid.

I tried to claim CB, and discovered he is claiming it, despite having to repay it all through the high income charge. So no benefit for our child. He wont transfer it to me, despite my needing it, and him not even receiving the money. HMRC say they wont change the decision. I believe he would rather see me in poverty. My solicitor was appalled someone could be like this. Can I challenge the decision? Anyone else been in this awful situation? It feels like a continuation of deliberate financial control.

OP posts:
ReadingSoManyThreads · 24/08/2026 17:38

FunPartyIdeas · 24/08/2026 14:09

A very similar situation, OP. My wealthy ex-husband changed the locks to the marital home within hours of me saying it was over. Police advised only way back in was to smash windows to the property which I wasn't prepared to do as my kids had been through enough stress.
Now a decade on and I'm now happily remarried, even though we are still privately renting as can't afford to buy.
He can stick his million pound house, hot tub and swimming pool up his derriere; I have love, happiness and freedom! None of which he could ever give me 💪 ❤️

Edited

You shouldn't take the police's word for things, they get it wrong all the time. If you also owned the house or were legally entitled to something from it, then legally you could have taken him to court for your share.

FunPartyIdeas · 24/08/2026 20:18

@WhyOhWhyWasDHSuchAShit I couldn't agree with you more. It's usually the wealthiest parent who "wins" in court, and a clever coercive controller is also great at deception.
I am so pleased your children are seeing the truth now that they are older.

FunPartyIdeas · 24/08/2026 20:21

@ReadingSoManyThreads I did go to court. I got my "share" of the house but due to his wheelings and dealings it wasn't enough for me to purchase another one with. Hence why we are still privately renting.
Money talks in court.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page