Just looking for some advice.. my dc is 7 years old. Myself and my ex split around 3/4 years ago for good but before then we were more off than on due to his gambling addiction. I found this out while I was pregnant unfortunately and it progressively got worse. In the past years he had stole from myself and dc savings to cover up gambling etc and made me feel like I was losing my mind when denying things and pretending all was ok. I don’t want to go to into it but he had a way of convincing us he was ready to change and would for a few months at a time (so I think).one thing was he felt he had to pay any debts off for new start etc, I agreed to give a loan in the hope of a new start n desperately wanted my family to work out. Since then we obviously split again and I cut all ties as that was last desperate chance. Basically he has paid maybe £150 every few months here and there, nothing regular and can go 6 months or so without payments towards loan or dc. I’m far too soft and it’s now got to point I am thinking of claiming child maintenance. He has a job so I don’t see where his money is going as he claims he is no longer gambling, has ignored me re money which is embarrassing on my part having to ask for the 4th month in a row now. If he would at least communicate and give me something I wouldn’t feel so disrespected. I have so far coped by working myself and using any little savings I have had but I’m now struggling. AIBU to go through official channels to claim money? Even as I type this I realise I am being such a push over and maybe too used to coping on my own and feeling “sorry” for him almost? Strange. I’m too soft and I know this but it was someone I had loved and wanted to build my family with. I just need to know am I being petty by claiming now