I left my ex 2.5 years ago. He is an alcoholic. He initially refused to pay any maintenance until I made an application to the CMA. Since then he has paid, but about 70% of the time is late and does not pay until I have sent one or two emails asking for it, which is stressful.
He stopped drinking for about 10 months so everything improved - but has now relapsed and has been late paying again. This month he emailed saying he is ill, will not pay and to “back off”.
I am aware from his mum and friends that he is now “severely” depressed and off work. I know he will be receiving full pay for 6 months however.
I am today being asked by his mum and his friend to stop asking for money when he is ill. Yesterday I had already reported a missed payment to CMS. I have decided not to communicate with him about money at all, any more, only through CMS.
I need this money m. He earns much more than me and contributes nothing to the care of our son. It is his moral obligation anyway. However there is a niggling worry that he will commit suicide or become even more depressed (ie drink even more heavily, although his mum and friends never like to mention the drinking part of the situation!). And I will be blamed for having got the CMA onto him when he is at his most vulnerable.
Help me sort out my thoughts please.