A couple who filed for divorce in Shunyi District People's Court in Beijing is trying to outbid each other to avoid getting custody of their 4-year-old son, Beijing Times reported on Wednesday.

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The couple were married in November 2000, and had a son seven years later. However, neither one, both ending their second marriage, wants custody.

The wife said their relationship was not good, as her alcoholic husband often beat her. She said she can't take care of her son because she has no job or place to live. The husband said the boy was too young to be separated from his mother, and offered him a 300-yuan ($46) monthly allowance.

The couple couldn't agree on who would take the child, and decided to bid over giving up custody rights. The one who outbids the other will be free from taking custody. The court will hold a hearing over the bidding.