AITA for saying it's not my problem if my ex and her husband can't afford their kids?

November 28, 2025

AITA for refusing to help my ex buy school supplies for her other kids?

After a bitter custody battle and a complicated family situation, I decided not to buy school supplies for my ex’s other children, focusing only on my son—and it’s caused a lot of tension.

✍︎

I’m a dad who fought hard to get custody of my son after discovering my wife cheated and neglected him. Now, I refuse to buy school supplies for her other kids despite her pleas, because I believe my responsibility is only to my son.

I (30m) was married to Marin (30f), and we share an 8-year-old son. During her pregnancy, I learned she was cheating on me with James, who was also expecting a child with his girlfriend. A DNA test finally proved I was my son's father, but the situation was tense and complicated, ending in divorce shortly after the birth.

"Our son ended up with me full-time after I won custody 3.5 years ago due to neglect and mistreatment."

Marin now sees our son every other weekend. Over the past couple of years, she’s asked me to buy extra school supplies for her other children—her stepdaughter and her daughter with James. I always decline, only providing for my boy and occasionally donating supplies to his class.

"I told her I don’t care if her other kids can’t afford supplies. They’re not my responsibility."

Recently, Marin confronted me during our son's surgery recovery, insisting I be "decent" and help with her girls' supplies. I stood firm, reminding her that neglecting our son caused me to fight for custody. She’s since sent me angry messages calling me an a__h_le and a bad dad.

🏠 The Aftermath

The legal situation remains the same: I have primary custody, and Marin visits our son every other weekend. Despite her complaints and insults, I continue to prioritize my child’s wellbeing above all.

I ignore her demands for supplies for her other children, and my lawyer advises me to keep doing so. I provide everything my son needs and avoid getting involved with her other kids.

Tensions between us have only grown, with Marin resentful about my stance and me locked in a battle to prioritize my son without enabling past neglect.