I have a son (almost 20) who I have paid child support to his entire life. His mother has estranged him from me, and I never see him. We had verbal agreement until around 2008 until which time she decided to come after me for back support. We sought counsel individually, and I agreed to give her more money (since we weren't going by the guidelines, I was a few dollars short every month). I paid it in full and have paid the guidelines every year, even voluntarily increasing support payments on my own if my income increased.
2 years ago, he enrolled in post-secondary studies. It was my responsibility to continue child support payments while he did so.
He dropped out half way through the first year - no reason was given. She still expected payment, but under our agreement I was not obligated to do so since he was not in school. According to our agreement, support was to end since he was no longer a child as defined by the guidelines.
The following September, she emailed me to tell me he 'found himself and his passion' for another program. However, he needed to take a 'remedial' year to 'qualify' for this program. This past school year, I have agreed to pay for his support again. I did not argue.
I sought legal advice and they agree I should not have to continue once this year is over (he will have finished the qualifying year certificate).
I am looking for advice/experience of those in similar situations. Will I be expected to continue paying support if he qualifies for a DIFFERENT program that could be as long as 3 years?
I also found out through the school, that he did NOT need to take the qualifying year program - he was eligible for the new program.
My friends and family tell me she's treating me like a bank machine - many have said this through the years but I always had my son's interest at heart.
I have 3 children with my current wife of 15 years, and I have new obligations to them. They could really use the money for things, and I'm sure my other son is in a position at adulthood when he could be more responsible (though I'm not sure I'm a good judge of that).
Thoughts?
Thank you!
2 years ago, he enrolled in post-secondary studies. It was my responsibility to continue child support payments while he did so.
He dropped out half way through the first year - no reason was given. She still expected payment, but under our agreement I was not obligated to do so since he was not in school. According to our agreement, support was to end since he was no longer a child as defined by the guidelines.
The following September, she emailed me to tell me he 'found himself and his passion' for another program. However, he needed to take a 'remedial' year to 'qualify' for this program. This past school year, I have agreed to pay for his support again. I did not argue.
I sought legal advice and they agree I should not have to continue once this year is over (he will have finished the qualifying year certificate).
I am looking for advice/experience of those in similar situations. Will I be expected to continue paying support if he qualifies for a DIFFERENT program that could be as long as 3 years?
I also found out through the school, that he did NOT need to take the qualifying year program - he was eligible for the new program.
My friends and family tell me she's treating me like a bank machine - many have said this through the years but I always had my son's interest at heart.
I have 3 children with my current wife of 15 years, and I have new obligations to them. They could really use the money for things, and I'm sure my other son is in a position at adulthood when he could be more responsible (though I'm not sure I'm a good judge of that).
Thoughts?
Thank you!
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