deadbeat dad Archives

My Kids and How Dads Don’t Give Up After Divorce

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:January 11, 2023
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

It's not about the science of parenting and divorce. It's not "in the best interest of the children." It's about MONEY.

Inviting the Dinosaur In: Weaponizing Child Support

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 27, 2021
Post category:burn Co-Parenting Divorce Money Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

I have been employed or working under contract for most of the time since the divorce. And today I'm gearing up to start a new job so that I can get some money, but more importantly so that my kids will get some money. And yes, the dinosaur will be fed and happy in the next month.

The Fear of Divorce: Are You Holding On When You Should Let Go?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 2, 2019
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Dating Depression Divorce Joy Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

She has played all her trump cards and she's still not happy. She's remarried and she's still not happy. She might not ever be happy. That's no longer my problem.

Deadbeat… < What's the First Word That Came to Mind?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:June 13, 2019
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

With one phone call, my ex-wife could take the jackboot of the AG's office off my credit and financial life. But why would she do that? In some universe, my ex-wife still feels justified in turning me over to the AG's office for collections.

The Divorce Brochure: How Women Can Play the Game of Divorce to Win

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 22, 2018
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce Health and Fitness Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

When one parent checks out their options for divorce, they are beginning the process of separation and exit from the relationship. And hey, if they like the divorce brochure the attorney lays before them, they might even start leaning into divorce.

Divorce, Kids, and Money: How Co-parenting and Custody Breakdown Roles

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 3, 2018
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Married Life Money Parenting self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad

At some point along the way, I fell behind on my child support payments. I tried to be clear and honest about the situation. I asked for a bit of leeway in how I would repay her. And for whatever reason (I don't think it's healthy or helpful to say what another person is thinking) she felt it was in the best interest of the kids to file our decree with the Attorney General's office.

Co-Parenting: Power & Control Issues Continue to Be Problematic

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:June 6, 2018
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

I did not cause my ex-wife's anger and depression. And I'm not causing it now. And the money is not going to fix it. You can't rub money on a lifetime of depression. Sure, the new car will be nice. And, sure, she and her husband won't have to balance the checkbook as carefully.