[madashell11]

I have a 12.5 year old son that lives in another provance with his mother. I pay support each month, but I have recently retired and my income of course has gone down some. I want to reduce the payments each mth. His mother and myself were never married, and didn't live together. Her husband of 10 years has just left her and now needs all the money she can get. There was only a verbal agreement of what I would pay her for support. Is this a good thing for me or not:confused::confused:

[stevetcg]

Legally, if there is no support agreement in place through the court you are not obligated to pay anything.

However... this is your child. Morally you have an obligation that goes far beyond what is legal.

[cdad]

Since you are making non court rdered payments do you have proof to provide to the courts that your paying anything ?

You might want to go through the courts to get a payment set. Once you have that there is nothing that says you can't pay more. The only difference is when you pay more then the ordered amount its considered a gift unless its for arrears.

That way you have the legal protection you need in case she decides to say you never paid before the child turns 18.