I knew there would be no coming back from this. I was about to break the cardinal rule and forever change the dynamics of our relationship.
Sitting in the waiting room, I quietly filled out my paperwork, while trying to drown out the nervous chatter racing through my head:
“You’re doing the right thing.”
“He’s left you with no other choice.”
“This is in the best interest of your child.”
It took some more self-convincing, but I finally walked towards the clerk to submit my forms.
And after what felt like a few quick glances and a stamp of her seal, it was official. My ex would now be responsible for paying a court mandated child support order.
For reasons I’ve yet to fully understand, when a custodial parent (which in most cases is typically a woman) files a petition for support, it can be seen as a declaration of war…or at the very least, an unforgivable betrayal.
gain: when sleeping in late and days spent relaxing by the pool turn into a mad dash for supplies and waiting in those car pool lanes.
