Lostmom, I think you should file for child support because your son is asking you to, this is a good way for you to support his feelings and take a stand along side your son against the wrongs his father has done to him. This could symbolize him separated from the harm of his dad and becoming his own man. Only 2 more years you can hold dad accountable for the child support (I think you can't file when they're over 18). Not an easy predicament for you.