17 year old going on 30 and Im supporting half still...

Shawnn - posted on 07/15/2011

And, as far as a job for the boy goes...does he have legs? He can walk to work. Does he have a bicycle? He can pedal. If he doesn't have a driver's license, it's not the end of the world. My 17 YO pedals himself to his college credit classes in the summer, and then to his volunteer work, or his job, depending on the day. So, no DL? No problem.

Shawnn - posted on 07/15/2011

Sounds like you need to revisit the whole custody/child support issue. And you can also, at the same time, bring up the behavior problems, and that your ex seems to not be helping/seeking assistance for that.

Child support is a set amount through the courts. He cannot just "ask for more" because he feels he deserves it. Don't even give him the satisfaction of responding to him, unless it's with a summons.

Sandra - posted on 07/10/2011

I agree. it's not fair. His grades are decent though. But I pay cs not him. He says that Im not helping him to get him to come over either and he can prove it to a judge. I cant believe him! it is his responsability to drop off and vise versa. He wants a job, but he doesnt have a drivers license. his dad is a flake and wont get it. I tried to encourage this atleast,even if he cant afford to put him on his insurance. its a matter of convienence and money for him. we have an odd arrangement. its a long story. I have never been in jail or anything like that. BUT, i have always payed and given way more all the time. I recently quit giving xtra to him after years of this. I was always scared of him.

Christina - posted on 07/06/2011

He's 17! He can get a job if he wants more money. I've held a job since I was 15yrs old. What your ex is asking is ridiculous. That would be like YOU going to court for more child support because you had a teenage daughter who is pregnant and there are going to be more cost.

Jane - posted on 07/05/2011

"His father believes that if he is on his time that it costs more."

If this is true, then why isn't HE paying YOU child support?

"His dad believes that he gets good grades and will continue to go."

DOES he get good grades? If not, have you sent a copy of his grades by certified letter to the dad?

Tell your ex that if he wants the 17 yo full time he can have him, but no increase in child support. He would have to take you to court to change it, and in a year your 17 yo will be an 18 yo and you won't owe support for him at all.

Sandra - posted on 07/05/2011

His father believes that if he is on his time that it costs more. and he also says that since the other children told the courts they want to be 50/50 and the 17 yr old doesn't, that he should have a choice as well. I am so disgusted....

Sandra - posted on 07/05/2011

I totally agree with both of you. I wish it was easy. I have even talked to his coach and it did no good. His dad believes that he gets good grades and will continue to go. Even if it destroys our relationship. My sons mind is so gone, i have given up. He is mean to his brothers and disrespectful. He doesnt even help with chores anymore. I get NOTHING worth while from his father. That is why I decided not to take him to this or his girl friends house. He refuses to get in the car and I am so sad. Im glad that you agree and that Im not crazy.

Christina - posted on 07/04/2011

extra activities are NOT a reason to increase support, esp for a 17yr old punk kid who has no respect. Tell your son when he respects you, you will show him some and help out.

Jane - posted on 07/04/2011

Why does his dad think he is entitled to more child support? If he signed the kid up for something maybe he needs to be the one that makes sure he gets there. And if he can't do that then maybe he should explain to your child that he needs to follow Mom's rules at her house and his rules at his house if he wants to get to wrestling.