Hi! I am a 32 year old, proud, single mother of a beautiful 18 month old girl. I recently ended relations with her father (we were never married) because he repeatedly showed with actions, that he wants nothing to do with her. From the time she was born, he pushed her away, he rejected her, as well as other things that were not correct. I tried to make him understand that perhaps he should have a relationship with her but he is not interested (and he never will be). The last time I spoke with him he said "I cannot be a father to this kid, she annoys me." This was the moment in which I realized there is nothing to salvage so I gave him the boot. My question is, what should I expect when I take him to court? I am suing him for child support because he owes my daughter at least that much. He has a LEGAL responsibility whether he likes it or not. It is his choice not to be a part of her life. I know she is better off and so am I.

Not sure about Virginia law, I would do some research there.

He is going to have to pay, but getting an order and collecting are two different things. Keep in mind that in the future he can have a change of heart and decides he wants visitation and you are going to see you daughter going away with a person who she annoys. I'm of the idea that rather than seeing my daughter go away with a "stranger" I m better off convincing the other party to terminate his/her rights and leave me alone with the whole situation, I have seen many parents here in the board complaining about their children going away with the other parent and worrying about safety, etc. but, the whole board seems to disagree with me, apparently is better to go after the SOB for child support, medical bills, school, etc. and when the time comes that he/she wants to be a father/mother you find your self without kids and come crying to the board and we'll give you support.

I've one that I'd love to terminate the rights. He's seen his Dad less than a dozen times in 4 years and it kills me that he's treated like a step-child or forgotten son when he is over at his Dad's. He's the first born son....but the 2nd son with the new wife will be the one to get to know his father.


The heart ache and heart break of them having rights to your child when they are so hateful is hard. Unfortunately.....he could have a total change of heart. Or..he could figure out that he's entitled to tax breaks if he sees her and drop her off at his Mom's and ignore her.

Weigh out the options....big time.

Thank you for illustrating my point.