"Legal" definition for single parent???

[lynne331]

What is the name of your state? PA

Is there a "legal" definition of single parent? In the case of divorce and subsequent joint shared custody, can one parent portray themselves as a single parent, head of household, to get benefits from the government like free insurance and reduced cost school lunches, even though costs for raising the child are shared by both parents?

 

[annefan]

What is the name of your state? PA

Is there a "legal" definition of single parent? In the case of divorce and subsequent joint shared custody, can one parent portray themselves as a single parent, head of household, to get benefits from the government like free insurance and reduced cost school lunches, even though costs for raising the child are shared by both parents?

When stating "joint shared custody", do you mean that you both share PHYSICAL custody of the child(ren) or one has PRIMARY PHYSICAL custody and both share LEGAL custody? There is a difference.

 

[lynne331]

It is shared physical custody -- 50% of time lives with one parent and 50% of time lives with other parent.

 

[annefan]

Re: Re: "Legal" definition for single parent???

It is shared physical custody -- 50% of time lives with one parent and 50% of time lives with other parent.

You cannot portray yourself as the 'single parent' for purposes of obtaining government entitlements if the child is with you 50% of the time and the other parent 50% of the time. Depending upon who is responsible for the health insurance of the child, you might qualify to join CHIP if you meet the financial criteria.