DEAR DEIDRE: MY dad has abandoned our family for his rich girlfriend.
I’m a 16-year-old boy. Dad is 39 and Mum is 38. They split three years ago and he hasn’t paid a penny to help her or me.
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Dad doesn’t even spend any time with me. I don’t think his girlfriend will let him, or maybe he just doesn’t want to.
We live in a rundown flat which mum struggles to heat. Dad and his girlfriend live in a detached house in a posh area.
And we certainly don’t drive around in a Mercedes and wear designer clothes like them. We take the bus and buy our clothes at the supermarket.
Mum gets sad that she can’t ever buy me nice things. She struggles to find money for a takeaway as a treat, and then goes without herself.
How can I get my dad to help my mum and spend time with me?
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DEIDRE SAYS: Your dad has got caught up in his new relationship and his behaviour is selfish. He has a legal – not to mention a moral – obligation to help support you.
Can you try speaking to him and telling him how you feel?
Your mum can talk to the Child Maintenance Service about his financial obligations to you (childmaintenanceservice.direct.gov.uk, 0800 953 0191).
It would help you to speak to someone who understands.
You can contact themix.org.uk (01708 765 200). which provides support for under-25s.
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