I had a friend whose ex-husband abandoned her and their four kids. He worked under the table so he didn't have to pay child support. Later in life, he wanted a relationship with his children. They were all successful, no thanks to him. A couple of them had limited contact. The one who became a doctor refused to even consider it. In the end, it haunts the father. Look at Oprah's father. I read an article where he complained that she only called him once a year. I don't blame her at all.