Threat of jail~should we foregosupport?

[Sink]

:dgrin The ex called to tell us the cops showed up at his door looking for past due support. He moved away when his son was 2 yrs old and never looked back. He's been remarried and divorced twice and now has a new kid that apparently is the light of his life. Claims he can't find work, has no $, and needs us to tell the State we don't want to pursue the case. He wants his son to just "trust him" to make payments if and when he can afford too.

Is there any good reason why we should agree? I don't want to be responsible for his going to jail...but at this point is it my responsibility? Where has he been when his kid was in need?

Please give us some advice!! Should we let the courts do their thing or let him off the hook?

 

[PQN2]

Did you ever receive any government help for your child? If so, you cannot 'drop' it as the govt wants their money back.

But, no, IMO your ex needs to support his child. He must be seriously far behind and have already been found in contempt in order for a warrant to have been issued. (Plus, you only have his word that they are looking to arrest him.)

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

"We" have no legal standing to do anything about this. Mom has; stepdad is considered a legal stranger to the courts.

It's pretty obvious dad isn't going to pay anything. Perhaps a stay in the cement hotel may help him change his mind.

Please understand that the court system is going to look out for the best interest of the innocent party here; the child. Often, once the case is in their hands, even mom cannot simply dismiss this.

Gail

 

[Sink]

I don't know why I'm feeling guilty. He hasn't bothered to keep in touch for years and here I am feeling like the bad guy!

Thank YOU for YOUR support!

I will definately talk to my son as he is 18 now and the one with the final decision! I appreciate the support~we need to let the courts handle this because

dad

has never been there for child.