Child custody

[Janeale]

Hoping to get some advice, so apologies for the long post. Separated from ex, we have a 9 year DD. When together, did the bulk of parenting, taking her to play groups, selecting schools, meeting teachers, shaping her extra curricular activities, take her on holidays, day trips, etc. This is in addition to a full time job. His response was that his job is demanding and also works extra shifts so that he can afford to pay for DD's school, etc. He earns double my salary so pays school fees and extra curricular activities. I pay for her trips, holidays, clothing, books, instruments and university trust fund.

Now that we've separated, he wants equal access with DD spending alternating weeks at each other's homes. I live on the same street as DD's school a 5 minute walk, he lives a 30 minute drive away. I live in a good catchment area where there are 3 high performing schools all within walking distance to the house. I'm not happy with this suggested arrangement because whenever DD returns there's always missing uniform, homework not being done. With 11+ approaching, I want to have responsibility in applying for schools. Is there any advice that you can give regarding custody and how this might impact on the school application process? Thanks

Putting aside the fact that it isn't called custody any more, the impact on the school application process depends on where you live. Each local authority sets its own rules. In a shared care situation most say you should use the address where the child spends the majority of school nights. If it is truly 50/50 they may rely on child benefit or they may allow you to choose. There will be an admissions booklet on your council's website which sets out their rules.

Thanks, we live in the same local authority but whichever address we decide to use will affect the selection process. I'll have a look on the LA website.