I am a single mom with an 8 year old. I've been divorced since 2005 and to date I've received maintenance in dribs and drabs....when my ex has felt like it and when he's felt like working. It's well and good to say full responsibility of a child is on both the parents, however, in reality this does not happen.

My reality is an ex that works for half the year pays maintenace for 2-3 months most and still wants to see his son. Even to the point of making empty promises to a child that he's got sooo much planned for him and then it never happens. Yes time does resolve that problem, cos now my son knows not to ask his dad for anything. Does a child have to grow up sooo quickly becos of a delinquient parent?????? Does my ex have a right to see a child that he has no involvement in???? That once in 2 - months that he chooses to pick up the phone to say...."I want to see my son"...does a child deserve to be exposed to a father that has only been causing him pain for the past 8 years????

Yes, the law does suck!!!!! whatever happened to the best interest of the child???????? I suppose that's what they want to teach our kids...thats its okay not to take repsonsibility for your actions...the law will protect you and allow you to see them even if u do not contribute to their welfare!