Switching over child benefit

LegacyUser

Hi folks.
I have a 17 yr old daughter from previous relationship. Her mam and I split over 10 years ago and never married. I have always paid maintenance for her until about 6 months ago when she began staying on week on week off basis. Recently she has come to live with me as she has a very poor relationship with her step dad which recently became violent.
Her mother says she can't afford to pay any maintenance. This is a little disappointing as when shoe was on other foot I always did my bit. However, NOW, she says she won't sign over child allowance either. She has said she will give it to our daughter but from previous experience I just can't trust her with money. I told her I'd call into welfare office which i did and was given a pile of forms to fill and very little info till they are forwarded on. She reckons I can't get anything without her signature. From research I see that it was up to her to notify them about this change. To be honest I'm a little unnerved about her confidence.
How can you actually prove where the child resides? I am not seeking legal advice would just like info on how they access situation.

Karen23

Not much help but Child Benefit stops when she's 18 , if she's only turned 17 then it might be worth your while but if she's nearly 18 it mightn't be worth the hassle.

Karen23

You might find some helpful info here : http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Child-Benefit.aspx

LegacyUser

Thanks a million for your response.
Yes, it would be worthwhile as im sure it would be back dated and she has just turned 17. It is also as much about stopping someone claiming for a child who does not live with them. Very low thing to do.
Thanks for link. Several sites state that, yes, a father can claim this benefit they just dont state how they can properly find out where the child resides. Id imagine the only way they could know for sure is to ask the child. If this is the case then im grand. Its just you hear all this "father=no rights thing" (her mother more or less said this to me). Im worried that because it may be my word against hers regarding my involvement throughout the years that she may convince them im not entitled. I dont think she's beyond telling an outright lie either. Maybe claiming this child is still with her. Although im not sure how she could do this. Would love to know if anyone had similar experience?

RubyGirl

Could you not try and chase her then for child maintenance. If she's not going to hand over the child's benefit, if it was you who was not paying she'd be quick to follow up on it. Who was violent? Maybe it's the fright she needs.

January

Have you changed her address with her school and her GP, this will prove who she is residing with. Also, I'd legally chase her for maintenance, she has to pay it until your daughter is finished studying completely which could be a few years yet if she goes to university.

You do not need a solicitor to bring her to court, contact the Free Legal Advice Centre and check out treoir.ie for information on your rights.

LegacyUser

Yes, your right.
Thanks for your sound advice. I accomodated her mam for so long for fear she'd turn our daughter against me but im going to seek legal advice once and for all. Just worried about how i'll prove i paid maintenance throughout the years. It was always cash in hand to daughter. We never settled an agreement in court or anything. I have plenty of family photos etc throughout my daughters life, proving i was there so she cant say i wadnt in her life.
My daughter is still very manipulated by her mother though, she was trying to convince me her mam was too broke to give her her own benefit. Fearing she might get my daughter to deny that money was handed over. What legal stance have you on maintenance when you agree out of court? In saying that, if my daughter is going to lie against me then that would be that.

LegacyUser

Went to my local court house today to summons a maintenance order and was told they only deal with solicitors. ALL the websites i've looked at say i can represent myself. Was just told "we just dont do that anymore". Total discrimination cause im a man. Where can i go, in limerick, to order a summons? I cannot afford my daughters expenses on my own.

mp22

Try here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=633


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