Playing a disability against the parent
Our son is 13 years old but his father and I have never been married and live separate lives. His father has had regular visitation rights (not via court) but because we have worked it out. We both live in our own separate house. However, when my son was 5, his father was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. My son has been receiving SSI payments in the amount of $634/month and it has increased every year to now $704 per month. I pay insurance, schooling, food, clothing, dental and every trip, activity or want my child desires. Recently, I asked the father to pay half for braces that my son needs and he said he doesn't have the income and to use the SSI money. However, he is planning a wedding, lives in a house (although I don't know how he is paying the mortgage), takes trips and lives okay, despite his disability. I know that he DJ's for some parties (my son told me). Can I get him to pay for half of the braces? He believes his $704 is more than enough to cover our growing son per month. Is this correct? Should I pursue the matter in court? I really try to be fair but he does play his disability on me and I feel bad about his situation. Please advise. My sons braces cost $4395.00
