Primary Caregiver. What's best?

[Natureboy]

Seperating with my wife and going to do 50/50 shared parenting and a 3/4day split. Long story short I have had some friends say I should ask for the Primary Caregiver title because I am more stable, older ect ect.

Does it really matter? When I suggest it to the wife the claws come out like it is HER RIGHT. I don't care about any other moneys it may provide.

Is it in the best interest of the children (3 of them all 5 and under) to let a judge decide as part of the seperation agreement because of course each of us is going to think themselves are the best.

Does it really make a difference one way or another?

thanks.

[Foredeck]

I asked this question earlier this week. And, it doesn't really matter.

You're getting them 50/50 and as part of joint custody, you both have equal rights in the upbringing of the children. So, if you have primary caregiver, you still can't do anything without her.

If you're worried that you won't get all the information, ask everybody to forward you a copy as well, so the school and doctor will mail two copies.

Revenue Canada or Justice Canada does not recognize primary care giver.

I am in a similar position, and I will let her have it. I will simply pick my battles, give her this, but ask for something else in return.

[Natureboy]

Thanks, that is what I was trying to figure out.

[dadtotheend]

Revenue Canada...does not recognize primary care giver.

Wrong!

Child Tax Benefit rules and other income tax benefits are significantly different when there is a primary caregiver (more than 60% of the time) vs shared parenting.

[Natureboy]

True, but I know that part and was not concerned about the monetary part. More the rights towards my kids even at 50/50.

[Edward]

Seperating with my wife and going to do 50/50 shared parenting and a 3/4day split. Long story short I have had some friends say I should ask for the Primary Caregiver title because I am more stable, older ect ect.

Does it really matter? When I suggest it to the wife the claws come out like it is HER RIGHT. I don't care about any other moneys it may provide.

Is it in the best interest of the children (3 of them all 5 and under) to let a judge decide as part of the seperation agreement because of course each of us is going to think themselves are the best.

Does it really make a difference one way or another?

thanks.

So you are thinking about what your friends suggest?

I would rather think about is the mother able and willing to care for the children 3 or 4 days a week. If she is, then why would you want full custody?

Kids are best developing when spending about equal time with both loving and caring parents. Have it shared


PS. I also suggested my wife 3/4 days shared custody and will see what her reply will be even though verbally she said OK. My lawyer told me I have more than 50% chance to be primary caregiver but for 1, I don't think it is best for our child 2, things can turn around and I could lose even shared custody.

[first timer]

50/50 parental schedule means shared parenting/shared cusody/shared residence, in our case both mom and dad are primary caregivers because of the 50/50 time share. Government benefits are split between the homes - 6 months each.

[Foredeck]

Wrong!

Child Tax Benefit rules and other income tax benefits are significantly different when there is a primary caregiver (more than 60% of the time) vs shared parenting.

Primary caregiver and main custodial parents are two different things.

The government, the courts and most everybody only care what percentage both parents have the child. If it's 50/50, you can split every benefit evenly between the two and do the offsetting child support amounts.

However, some judges and some people prefer to label one parent the primary caregiver. This makes things simple as it gives a main address to the kids, it's the address they'll write on their school registration, at the doctor, etc.

Other then giving the child a principal address, it does not affect anything.

[dadtotheend]

Other then giving the child a principal address, it does not affect anything.

Maybe so, but you said that Revenue Canada doesn't recognize primary caregver. They most certainly do.