Wondering who gets Child Benefit in shared custody cases? As Child Benefit can’t be shared, it can be confusing to couples that have recently separated or divorced and want to understand the state of their finances.
Fortunately, the sensitive and knowledgeable solicitors at Freeman Jones Solicitors have extensive experience helping former couples to come to an amicable agreement regarding child arrangements and the division of their assets, including finances.
Am I Entitled to Child Benefit with Shared Custody?
If you’re sharing custody of your child, you can claim Child Benefit—but there can only be one claimant per child. This means:
-
Only one person can apply for and receive Child Benefit for each child.
-
You can’t both claim, and it can’t be split legally between two people.
-
However, once the money hits your bank account, you can agree informally with your co-parent to divide it how you wish.
The best move? Get it written into your financial agreement—that makes sure everyone sticks to the plan and avoids messy disputes in the future. Working with a solicitor can help you action that smoothly.
Who Gets Child Benefit in Shared Custody?
In shared custody, the parent who filled in the Child Benefit claim form will be the taxpayer and the payment recipient.
Typically, it’s the parent who acts as the primary caregiver—but that doesn’t have to be the case. In many 50/50 custody situations, one parent receives the benefit, then shares the funds with the other parent as agreed.
Want this to run smoothly? Have a clear conversation with your co-parent—ideally drawing anything you settle into a formal agreement. A solicitor can assist through mediation or legal support to make it official and fair.
Need Help Navigating Shared Child Benefit?
Sorting out who claims and who pays can be a headache. That’s where we come in:
-
Book your FREE 20-minute consultation to talk confidentially about your situation.
-
We’ll help you negotiate child arrangements and draft agreements that protect both parents and children.
-
Prefer talking now? Call us today on 01244 506 444, email info@fjsolicitors.co.uk, or use our online contact form.
Let our compassionate, expert family law team at Freeman Jones Solicitors guide you towards a fair, stress-free solution. Reach out now and get the clarity your family deserves.
