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:
Warning over possible ferry disruption tonight
Two ferry sailings are at risk of disruption tonight.
Department told to provide new FOI response to Visit Isle of Man query
The Department for Enterprise will have to give a new answer to a Freedom of Information request after an appeal to the Island's information commissioner.
700 sign petition to keep Castletown street sweeper
A petition to give a street sweeper a permanent job in Castletown has hit more than 700 signatures in just three weeks.
Mystery after oily birds found in Peel
An Island charity says it hopes this will be the year authorities find the source of oil contaminating birds in the west of the Island.
Laxey move announced for well-known jewellers
A landmark business in Douglas says it's moving out of the capital after more than three decades.
Island boxer to donate fight proceeds to homeless children
The Island's most famous professional boxer has announced a warm-up fight against a former world title challenger later this month.
Your plaice or mine? None next year, say scientists!
A leading scientific forum says no plaice should be caught in the waters around the Isle of Man next year.
Creamery director calls time on a grate career
The managing director of the Isle of Man Creamery has announced he is standing down.
