It would be too difficult and potentially costly to split child benefits between two parents, according to the Island's treasury minister.
Alex Allison was responding in Tynwald to a question from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse about whether it would be possible.
Mr Moorhouse pointed to situations where children are cared for in more than one household.
Dr Allinson explained there was already some support available for such parents:
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