No child maintenance ever should I accept it?

I never received a penny from dd1's dad. He refused to believe she was his. We were both very young. His family would walk by her in the street. I worked full time and my family helped to support us financially. When I met dh he later adopted her.
She died at 23 at this point I hadn't see him for over 20years. He decided to crawl back out the woodwork because he was devastated. He was told NOT to attend her funeral. Instead he sold a story to the papers. He contacted me and asked for photos of dd, he was told where to go.
I'm actually glad I never received maintenance from him even though I struggled.

Ive just had 3 years of no maintenance as my ex wasn’t working or claiming benefits. I had no choice but to accept it as cms wasn’t interested as there was nothing they could do if he wasn’t working or claiming anything.

It's infuriating isn't it. I still get texts from cms asking if I'm happy with their service 🤔 I would love to know how he is able to qualify for permanent residency in aus but not eligible to pay cms over here! But actually there comes a point when you have to push it to one side or it'll just eat you up. I know I've provided for dd and been there for her always. We have such a strong bond and knowing that I'm independent, not relying on anyone else for financial support (no benefits, I work bloody hard!) is something to be proud of.

I'm exactly the same position but I have two teens. I don't have a penny at the end of each month and the kids miss out on so much. I do t know where my ex is either but I do know he's currently unemployed (gave up a 90k a year to go), and so my chances of giving the kids a better life are nil just now. I am sick to my stomach with anger and resentment that he's just opted out when I think about, so I try not to. They are mine and mine alone now and it's for the best as he is a toxic bastard. The price of my freedom from that is high but at least he has no control left. I honestly feel your pain and it's not just about money, it's the abandonment of the kids that stings the most.

Do you know what country hes in? If hes in a REMO country you can chase him for child maintenance