I Stopped Paying “Child Support” for My Grandson After His Stepdad Tried to Erase My Late Son’s Memory

A few years ago, I lost my 22-year-old son. At his funeral, I learned his girlfriend, “Lissa,” was 13 weeks pregnant. After requesting a DNA test through my family, I confirmed the baby—“Dave Jr.”—was truly my grandson.

My husband and I decided to help raise him financially. Though my son had left no estate, we used our own savings, including money once set aside for his graduate school, to provide monthly support equal to what his child support would have been if he earned $30,000 a year. We also bought gifts, took him on outings, and treated him like our other grandchildren.

This summer, Lissa married a man named Allen. Recently, the two came to our home saying Allen planned to adopt Dave Jr. because they were moving out of state. They also asked us to change the child’s name on any accounts after the adoption, continue sending money, accept limited visits, and never mention my late son until the child is “old enough.”

I was stunned.

I told them if Allen wants to be his father so badly that he plans to erase my son’s memory, then Allen can support him financially too. I refused to keep paying, said there were no “accounts” to change, and told them to leave.

Now Lissa, Allen, and both their families think I’m wrong, but my husband fully supports me.