Originally Posted by
08_777444
Child support usually stops when the child reaches the age of 18 (an adult), or graduates high school, whichever comes later.
Child support really does not apply to adults unless certain language was put into the support order, which is something your mother would have to request. I am sure only your mother knows why she failed to do so.
Suing your dad is most likely going to put more strain on the relationship, but if you feel you must hire an attorney and go after him, then go for it. Personally, I don’t feel you stand a chance of winning a judgment. He should want to pay, and if he doesn’t, for whatever reason, I wouldn’t beg him, or sue him, and I wouldn’t treat him any differently as a result.
To be fair, the fact that your mother waited 16 years to request support probably means that your father didn’t get the opportunity, or get to experience the pleasure of helping to raise you, and quite frankly, he might not know you. I know it sounds weird, because he is your father, but do you really even know each other? Just because you are his child does not entitle you to his money - period. I know you feel because he didn’t pay child support, except for the past three years, that it is your birthright, but we earn our birthright.
This is my guess. If you are willing to call him a deadbeat dad, as a matter of fact it is the title to your question, why don’t you go and call him that to his face, and then see how much he is willing to dish out. Not much would be my guess. If he senses, even for a minute, that he’s being viewed as nothing more than a dollar bill, he is going to regress… it is a natural human reaction.
You have to give respect to get it.
Love is supposed to be unconditional, that means we are not supposed to allow money to define how much love we are able to give or receive. It doesn't sound like any of that is going on here.
Good luck.