Do i as a single mother to be, have a right to claim money from the babys dad?

Question

Im just over 4 months pregnant and me and babys dad are over with now.. Does the father of the baby have any legal say in providing still for the baby, can he just refuse or does he have to pay towards the financial side, ie- Paying towards bringing baby up even though wer'e split up..

Do i have a right to claim money from him to go towards the babys upbringing legally? He works and has a full time job but being quite an idiot about supporting the baby in anyway.

Just wondered if anyone could give me any help on this..

Thank you..

Thank you to everyone.
Can i just add to those of you who asked.. The babys father is 24 & we both live in the United Kingdom.
Also, those who answered with the slight bit of a negative answer towards me,, at the time we were settled and happy but due to personal reasons we had to split , which ended up in him being pig headed and a total time waster, not wanting anything to do with me.. In his words... He was just the sperm donor!! Grrr!

Neway, thnks .

Answer 1

You have every right to claim money its not like you went to sperm donor ! Remember you were both there at the time and you are both adults .I think it does give him some sort of right especially if you come to a financial agreemant through solicitors or other bodies.Its not like he is paying for you the money will be for HIS baby and believe me they dont come cheap! you have a new version of CSA coming in I think you should contact them and see which way they work and how you should go about it without making things worse and easier on everyone involved!
The most important thing is getting something in writing from him the earlier the better so you can go on and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy with less worry.Good luck with your precious bundle xx

Answer 2

Well if you work/employed in the UK its upto you to get the paperwork from the CSA to start the process, I was told that if the "Biological Father" ignores their post (you have to give them all details, employers name, address, their residence etc) then they said there is very little they can do, even if they do respond it is a long process and they seem to change their case workers frequently so it can be a real pain, if they dont pay up when they get their first payment schedule then they do an attachment on earnings, (which takes ages)
If you are on benefits then when you claim your Income Support as a single parent, the social automatically notify the CSA and you will have to provide all the info. If you refuse for without good cause (victim of Domestic Violence ir similar) they can reduce your benefits, they either call you in for an interview or they do a home visit.
If you are working you would be entitled to the full award, if you are in benefits you get (I think) the first £10 and the Government keeps the rest. I did hear that if you do get payments via the CSA and you come off benefits to go back to work you get a lump sum of some of the money the Government took, not sure on that one?
He cant really refuse, they will just do a attachment on earnings.

If you are on benefits and finding it tough buying the baby bits etc, speak to your Midwife about the Maternity Grant, and about applying for it.

It is tough bringing up a child with no financial assistance, from the father. I did it with my eldest, it can be done. I always say Id much rather have the emotional support and help way more than the financial. Just because a Father contributes financially, it doesnt make him a great Dad.

(This applies to the Guys too, not to end without acknowledging those single Dads out there who too find themself in the flip side of this situation.... The Dads who as a single parent get/need CSA payments from the children(s) mother.)

Good Luck with the Baby. :)

Answer 3

Another example for not living together before marriage. He thinks he doesn't need to be responsible. He's wrong, but that's what he thinks. The problem is he doesn't have to assist YOU just the child. This means that if he wants, he can insist on a break down of the expenses you have. Don't panic! First just get it lined up now for child support. This means accusing him and proving he is the father. Next get it lined up that he must pay child support the month the child is born. If you wait, then he will have to pay back support which is usually too much and makes the guy bolt, leaving you with zip, ruining every ones life. Finally, let me give you one last bit of advice. Get back together with him!!! Try to work it out! Life together is much more enjoyable than the hardship of raising the child apart. At least try it once!!! Just once!!!

Answer 4

You most def. have the right! Getting it is another story though. I have afriend who seperated from her boyfriend a year after the baby and he split. She's been chasing him all over the country trying to get him to pay up, the courts say he owed $15,000 or something but hes not coughing it up.

He could take it to court and be ready to prove he's the dad because hes def gonna through that in ur face. There is a test you can do while pregnant but i heards its risky so yo umay have to wait till the baby is born (but i'm not a lawyer so if he is refusing then I suggest you consult with a lawyer about this.

Just another question, how old are you and him? Cuz if hes under legal age, its his parents that are responsible to help out...

Answer 5

Assuming you are from the UK there's no point in trying to chase him through the Child Support Agency as they're in chaos.
See a solicitor - via the Legal Advice Office in your area or via the CAB. As the father he is held legally responsible for the childs welfare - therefore obliged to contribute financially - but proof of paternity may be required once baby is born. Also he will have equal rights on spending time with the child if he wants to.
The court will award you money owed from him on a monthly/weekly basis - and will persue him if he doesn't keep up payments - but if he is difficult you can still be left with no income from him for months before he is forced to pay. Also any income from him may affect other benefits you are entitiled to even if he stops paying.
Unfortunately you are in a difficult situation!
Get legal advice!
Good Luck

Answer 6

what world do you live in. you have all kinds of legal rights to his money ,are should i say the baby has the right to the money if the baby gets all the money that's another story. even if the man did not want the baby he has to pay for the child, but you could of got a abortion, and the man has no right to tell you any different, but he still has to pay and he should and i hope he does, because i don't want to pay for the child through well fare. just ask around you will find other young ladies in your same situation, find out where there's low income housing apartments there's always a good supply of single mothers there that could answer your ? and tell you where to go to seek help. believe me you you will get the money. and your x will wish he used a condom.

Answer 7

Of course you have the Right to claim money for the keep of the child you had as a result of your relationship with him.

Of course he can refuse to pay anything, just as he can refuse to pay for a TV licence. However ~ the Child Support Agency has changed recently (Not Fit For Purpose - just like your child's 'father'), and who / what is in its place and so on, I don't know. But you can find information in libraries, doctors waiting-rooms, post offices and so on (or contact the Citizens advice Bureau) for advice and information.

He may say No to you, but it's likely he will have the last word on the subject.

Take care and good luck
Sash.

Answer 8

The father of the child is responsible for child support. Here in this state it is 20% of the yearly income. Now, that being said, the father also has rights to visit the child and also to file for custody. I'm not sayin he will. Just letting you know that he does have rights too. Anyway, the state will garnish his wages directly out of his paycheck if you would wish it to be done that way. It is generally easier and the state will keep track of his employment by his social security number. And the garnishment will follow him to everyjob that he works.

Answer 9

oh yes he does have to pay you and will have to until the child is out of full time education, I would get a maintenance order payable by direct debit into your bank, unless you rely on him calling once a week/month. but remember that if you are going to be on benefits they will more than likely take it into account and although he may be paying you may not be that much better off. I do know of people who do not declare any maintenance for this reason,,, but in answer to your question I'd ask him for £50.00 a week, don't set a low precidence or you will have a problem increasing it! go for it, babies don't come cheap.

Answer 10

Yes until the child finishes full time education, but don't bank on getting any, men can be very slippery when it comes to money, Go do the citizens advice bereau to get all the right information., but don't spend it until it's actually in your hand! Congratulations on your pregnancy, be happy and healthy Good luck with everything.