What's your take on this?

each time you loan money to anyone ; draft a contract . get on the internet and get a standard contract and modify it to suit. The agreement between you and the father should have been in writing ; if it wasn't then he has means to wrangle out of it. It is in your and the child's best interest to go to court and get an enforceable agreement . Explain to your ex that you had to as he was getting narky and remiss on the agreement . He may choose to not see his child ; but that is his lookout and you can always use it against him in the courtroom. The child is the one who is suffering ; for it is missing out on the things a father should be buying and supplying. ps what happens when the kid gets to school and needs textbooks and school excursions , etc ,etc. Unfortunately ; judging by his attitude,a court enforceable agreement is the only way the child will be fairly treated by him. The other way is to stop loaning him money; but again the child suffers. good luck . Don't let his threats get to you ; go to court and do it right ; for the child's sake; and for your own peace of mind too.