Debt, pregnant and alone - help!

zippygeorgeandben

Can i just ask, a general question... do absent father's of children not have to pay towards support?
I'm amazed at the amount of threads I read saying that the ex doesn't pay. Isn't that illegal? I'm staggered that if you (general you not the OP) are raising a child by yourself and father has absolved himself of responsibilities, you don't chase him for every single penny because in my mind, if you don't, then you are doing a disservice to your son and his future.
I wouldn't believe anything the ex told me, as soon as first payment missed, straight onto my solicitor.

sasy_sfinx

This is all completely new to me so haven’t got a clue! As my ex has no income and may be filing for bankruptcy. I’m under the impression he’ll still owe child support but doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll pay it when I need it

Sanctioned_Parts_List

Maintenance and child support payments are not automatically discharged by bankruptcy. Your ex might be able to appeal to the court for them to order that he doesn't have to pay, but that risk is no reason not to try.

natlie

zippygeorgeandben wrote: »

Can i just ask, a general question... do absent father's of children not have to pay towards support?
I'm amazed at the amount of threads I read saying that the ex doesn't pay. Isn't that illegal? I'm staggered that if you (general you not the OP) are raising a child by yourself and father has absolved himself of responsibilities, you don't chase him for every single penny because in my mind, if you don't, then you are doing a disservice to your son and his future.
I wouldn't believe anything the ex told me, as soon as first payment missed, straight onto my solicitor.

I was 21 and I was threatened not to apply for any benefits by the father of my child's family. He has contributed maybe £1500 since she was born. She saw him regularly as she was growing up but he is an absolute idiot and I'm glad I didn't have to have any financial dealings with him it was hard enough sorting visits. Plus she knows what went on (she's 18 now) and she milks him for all he's worth. :rotfl::rotfl:

Nicosy

Also worth considering a junior SIPP. for the new addition when they arrive.

The nice thing about a pension is the kid can't really mess it up. With an ISA you've got to make sure they're financially literate (always a good idea) and they're not going to blow it al on drugs, gambling, etc as soon as they get access.

But with a pension, whatever happens you know they'll be financially secure in retirement when you're probably long gone and unable to help them out.

Also over 60+ years, the compound interest/returns are insane whatever you can afford to put in for them.

Valetudo

"..and I can’t imagine being inundated with candidates wanting to move in with a 35 year old woman, a cat and a sprog!"

I know someone else has posted it, but do you know what? That shouts to me as ideal for a mum with a child and a cat (or who just doesn't mind whether there's a cat or not). There must be lots of people who would relish the chance to have a shared home with someone in similar circumstances. You don't want a young professional flat sharer, so look for another one like you! Notice boards in work?

If it's a nice home, it's a nice home for someone else too.

It might not work, you might not find one, but it's very much worth trying. Isn't it?