50/50 custody but who actually gets this??

[Barrytheeggplant]

My DP has always had 50/50 custody of this DD since one year old.

She is due to start school in September and all of a sudden his ex wants him to have DD one night a week.

Strong indication this is for financial reasons, she is aware that she has never declared she has 50/50 custody to the benefit agency’s and this may come up when her DD starts school due to applying for free school meals etc.

We work full time so do not claim any benefits so not entirely sure about this area.

DP doesn’t want to change the agreement.
Ex claims she will keep DD after the last drop off and not let him collect her next time and he will have to take her to court?! Surely she cannot do this? Hold the child ransom until he does what she says?

Advice needed.

He can then just pick her up from school. Might be worth mentioning him having a chat with the benefits agency.

Is there a court order? I'm assuming not - in which case essentially yes, she can just hold on to her. He needs to get a court order setting out the contact schedule. Who currently gets the child benefit? And is her school near enough for both parents to get her there? A court will generally favour the status quo, unless there is a significant reason not to.

(All children in reception, year 1 and 2 in England are eligible for free school meals, FYI)