Why I Didn’t Seek Child Support
When I left my ex, well actually, when I kicked his ass out, I had 3 boys, they were 11,9 and 7. He was abusive. He was a serial cheater. He was work-shy. He worked a total of 2 years during our entire 12 year relationship.
I lived in a trailer. I worked as a coffee shop supervisor, then a call centre agent. later I went back to school. Money was tight. It was really tight. I spent every penny on rent, utilities and feeding my kids. Any extra was saved for the holidays.
So, why wouldn’t I go after their father for child support? I mean, it’s their right to be supported by their dad. However, he always made less than I did. He had menial jobs, minimum wage or just above. His income didn’t even rate on the national child support calculation table. He was too poor to pay.
But for me, it was more than that. Their father was in and out. And by that, I mean, mostly out. He got on with his life, got on with his business and called every few months or so to scream at me about “his kids”.
Yeah, whatever. Those calls annoyed me. I was the one there. I was there every day. I was the one called to the school. I was the one that bandaged their knees. I was the one that fed and clothed them. I took that on. I had them, it was MY responsibility.
