I can understand his apprehension in seeking out the government’s help. In my opinion, the system is still favours the mother.
I have two kids who I ever see once a fortnight because the mother wants 100% of the childcare amount and this means that they can’t stay with me.
I have pleaded my case with the authorities but they say it sounds like a court matter. They are aged 14 and 16 and the court will just let them make there own decision, which of course they will side with the mother. It will be a waste of time and money.
Incredibly, she also was able to secure a loan for my ex house based on my fortnightly payments. Unsurprisingly, I can’t get a loan because the amount of support I pay is too high?!?!
It’s hard seeing the mental and physical decline of my kids at her hands. I imagine most of my support money goes to her mortgage leaving fuck all money for there well being.
In the early days I had to tread lightly as she’s bat shit crazy and I was scared that she would accuse me of shit in order to keep me out of their lives.
It kills me because I have a lot to offer my kids, we were once very close and my family (parents and sisters) adore them. In sucks.
Financially, she got 70% of my wealth (she had fuck all) and 50% of my super. She does cash jobs as well which they don’t want to know about, this would lower my support dollars.
I’ll be working till I’m 70 and have no house and she’ll have an $800,000k house (outside Sydney) and not worked a day in her life.
I’ve gotten out of it lightly, there are alot worse stories than mine. Fuck the system.

PS. The USA system sounds like a nightmare. Even if there’s no kids they have to keep the wife or girlfriend in the manner she was used to during the relationship.

Sorry about venting.