Father Paying/Contributing Expenses During Pregnancy, and Legal Rights.

[Kailz]

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate the support.

Now I just need to put this all in some sort of order so my head can absorb it

[Lulu]

My poor sister felt the same hun, at this point there isn't much you can do about it and that makes it hard.
Lots of things may or may not happen before bubs is born, I know you want to feel prepared, I'd concentrate on having fab hair and a good pregnancy as long as you can before the boring bits have to be addressed. GL!

[sushee]

I think the difficult part will be establishing paternity. Once you're past that hurdle, at least you know CSA will help with the rest.

[Lulu]

ACtually I'll ask my sis what is going on with it all now. Her bub is 5 months old, and the "father" refused to sign the birth cert, even though he knows he is the dad. She hasn't mentioned paternity tests yet....

[Kitt3n]

hun, this might sound horrible, but, do you really want this "man" to be part of bubs life?

trust me, the lame amount of $$ you will get is nothing to be bothered to strive for.

You and bubs might just be better off if you have nothing to do with him.

I know its hard, but its something that i guess you should consider.

Be strong!!!

And sorry if my input is not wanted.

[briggsy's girl]

unfortunately Kitt3n, whether you WANT the person in your life doesn't make any difference. the government believe that it is the responsibility of BOTH parents to financially contribute to the upbringing, and simply put, if you don't get his help, then you don't get the governments help either.

it may be a pittance that he's supposed to pay - it might be a massive amount he should be contributing - but if you don't make an effort, then you'll be considered to not be meeting your requirements under the goverment legislation, and you can't get more than the basic rate of ftba - and realistically, the difference between $45 and $145 (plus rent assistance) a fortnight makes it LONG TERM worth the effort. if he IS a deadbeat, there are ways that the CSA can chase him for the money over a period of time, but only if there is a registered case - if not, then not only do you miss out on whatever pittance he's supposed to pay, but also miss out on up to $225 in combined ftb/rent assistance each fortnight... i doubt there are too many people that can honestly afford that as new single parents...

[The[cookie]Doctor]

I know this is totally OT but i had to ask...
What if you get pregnant by just having some dirty weekend on a holiday and you have absolutely no idea who the father is?
I can understand why CL, FAO, CSA want you to go to certain lengths, but surely there is a time when this is impracticable?
Ignore me, i just had to ask.

Kailz i really hope that you can work this out. I'm still in disbelief that you were TTC for so long and now he is acting like such a jerk