Do you think absent fathers should always be pursued for child maintenance if they are working?

[electra]

?

Yes

Yes of course they should.

Yes.

I am interested in getting opinions on this as I have a 6 month old. Her father lives in Sicily and has never shown any interest in her whatsoever.

I found out via 'his camp' that he has started a new job which was described as 'national work'. I always thought it would be impossible to get any child support for her from him but I have recently found out it is possible if you go through your local magistrates court as the UK has a REMO agreement with Italy.

As I am now having to make a claim against the father of my older girls because he has decided he wants to pay off his credit cards instead(!!) it got me thinking that maybe I should also try to get a contribution from dd3's father, given that I am unable to work currently.

Yes obviously.

Yes. Or, at least, I'm wary of saying "always" and I could see that there might be exceptions (although I can't immediately think what they could be) but in general yes.

I suppose one exception would be if the resident parent is self-sufficient, has oodles of cash and doesn't want child maintenance from the absent parent -- hard to see who would benefit from the pursuing in that case.

I'm currently going through the Australian CSA for maintenance.
It can be done, I've been granted money, but not as much as he can afford. I've forms here now to fill in to get them to investigate his finances further.

I'll keep pushing until I am satisfied he is paying the correct amount.

Sorry x posts! Well it's worth a try isn't? How sad that he has no interest . His loss I say

Cross-posted. In your case, yes, definitely.

He was absent when she was concieved, he may choose to not be in her life physically but i dont see why that makes him finicially ammune. He still has a responsibility to support her financially

I mean wasnt absent (unless it was an immaculate conception )

yes always

Thanks for replies. I am thinking that I should at least try for her sake, really.

I have his home address but should I also provide information about where he was working when he was in the UK in case they need it to trace him?

Give them everything you can. The more information you have, the more likely they are to trace him. It'll also help them get an idea of his income.

God, I have found out today from someone that he is actually back in the UK, working again so will this make it easier or harder, I wonder?

Yes, definitely. No one should be allowed to have children and not support them financially when they are earning.

at VT's absent when conceived

Yes, of course both parents should contribute to the costs of children they made together.

Unless, I don't know, you poked holes in a condom with a pin or something.

of course -whyever not?!