Yes.
You’re not in any way obligated to thank him, but I would, if I were you.
Some are of the mind that we do not thank people for doing what they are obligated to do. That is somewhat understandable. Police don’t stop you or send you a card to thank you for driving at the posted speed limit. It’s your obligation to obey the law, after all.
And yet, one merely being obligated to do something does ensure compliance. There is value in people choosing to do what they are legally and morally obligated to do without compulsion. For example, if the only way to get people to obey the speed limit were if and when the police chase after and “catch” people speeding and citing them for it, our roads would be terrifying, dangerous highways to hell, and consequently, being a law enforcement officer would be hell as well. Surely the police are grateful/thankful that the number of people who abide by the law voluntarily vastly outweigh those who do not. Surely no reasonable person would object if the police issued a general word of thanks to the law abiding public.
You must know that there are many child support obligors (“obligor” means a person obligated to make payment) who know that they are ordered to pay child support and who can pay child support but who refuse to pay nevertheless. The fact that your child’s father is paying child support voluntarily and in full, without you having to go to the trouble of filing motions in court, going to court for hearings, and expending the money and the effort associated with that, is something for which to be thankful. Not every child support recipient is so fortunate. It is plainly appropriate to express gratitude for that.
Utah Family Law, LC | divorceutah.com | 801-466-9277
