I feel your pain. My ex is currently down and out too. He did, however manage to go through 2.4 million dollars in three years. I find it hard to feel sorry for him. Had he put some of that money away for his kids college I think I could be reasonable on the back child support he now owes me. As it is I don't feel sorry for him one bit and feel like he should sell some of his "toys" to pay his child support or gee...get a job. If I were you I would continue on with the court system. Let them set up a payment plan or something for him. After all, regardless of his financial situation you still have child/children to support. BTW kuddos to you for taking him in. There is noway in h-e double hockey sticks that I would have with my ex.