Wanting half of my Child Tax Benefit!!

Ashley - posted on 09/12/2011 ( 2 moms have responded )

I left my ex about a month ago. He is an angry person, not there for me in any way and hasnt contributed to the household in 2 years. I have been very fair and wanting to work this out outside of court. I left the house to him with EVERYTHING in it. I got my own apartment (which i move into this week) completely furnished it on my own and bought everything new. I wont be even taking a spoon from the house. Since they have been born i have boughten the kids (we have 2) everything they need. Christmas and birthdays i have done on my own he has not even given me a cent towards any of their presents. I spoke to a lawyer when I first left him about getting sole custody but am still undecided whether i want to do that or not. I have the papers all filled out and ready to be served but still not sure as i agreed to joint custody with him. We set out a schedule (still not on paper) as to who will have the boys when. I feel like i have been extremely fair with him. I know he couldnt afford getting his own place as i work full time and he's still in school so thats why i decided to leave. His mother pays for everything for him. Even his cell phone bill (he's 25). My family/friends are there for me but can't afford to help financially. He had said to me last week that i am to start splitting half of my child tax credit with him or he will take me to court for it. I feel like i shouldnt have to as i am and pretty much have been doing this on my own since day one. I can understand if he helped out with buying them what they need but he hasnt! His mother buys him the diapers, wipes, groceries and clothes for the kids where as i buy all this on my own. He hasnt paid a cent in daycare fees since the kids started a year ago. He told me if i didnt start giving it to him he would take me to court for it which i have been avoiding since we first split. I am so confused as to what to do. Do i go for full custody and visitation rights or go back to the lawyer to get papers for joint custody but have in there i dont want him taking my child tax credit? I receive about 980 a month for both kids which i really do need. I know he has been speaking to a lawyer as he more or less told me. My family and i have a feeling he is up to something and is going to try and hurt me in every way possible. I know his mother and step father are behind this as well. I just dont know what to do?!?!