definition of primary carer? also research / documents showing wellbeing of PWC connected to wellbeing of kids

[sparklesunshine]

Long story short, I have two kids and work 3 days each week. My ex has a contact order for 4/14 days, during which he gets relatives to watch the kids so he can work from home.

He's claiming he is the primary caregiver because he used to financially contribute to allow me to work less hours (he works more than full time). Can anyone point me to a definition of what a primary caregiver is? I know common sense says he's talking hogwash, but he's very good at making it look more compelling than it is.

Also, I have had my GP & others tell me that if 'mom' is happy, the kids are happy. Can anyone point me to research or legal points that show this?

He's applied for residence (not shared).

(I've also posted in Legal, just thought there was more traffic here).

Yes, he's talking rubbish. Hope someone on the legal board can point to the exact legal definition, but caregiving involves time spent with the dcs, meeting their needs, not financial contribution. If he is saying he worked longer hours so you could work shorter hours and look after your dcs, he is effectively admitting that you were the primary caregiver.

To the best of my knowledge, the court isn't that interested in "happy mum, happy dcs". The question is "what is in the best interest of the dcs?" and parental happiness/unhappiness with a particular outcome is by the wayside.

I don't think your ex is likely to have much luck with his application for sole residence, unless he can show there is something drastically wrong with the status quo. He might be in with a shot for joint residence.