hi S.!
i went thru child support questions too when i inicially wanted to file for it...
after doing social work for three years, and being a single mother for the same time, my view on child support, is that we deserve it, no matter what anyone may tell you. it is your right to get that money on a regular basis...
it is great that your x pays on his own, but as a single parent, it is important to be able to depend on that x-tra money to support your child/ren...
you can always go and file for a support order, all you do is fill in the information they ask you for, and within one month you should get a hearing scheduled. at that hearing you and you x have the chance to come to an agreement between you two, you two can either decide on an amount you think is fair and affordable, or you can let the master rule...
usually you do not need an attorney, i did not use one, people use them when the divorce is ugly, or when one of the parties is just not willing to settle for anything, or is too wealthy and doesn't want to give up some money.
be careful when agreeing to an amount, there are disadvantages, and you should ask your countie's domestic relations office what those are... example, if you have subsidized child care and agree to an amount, the amount of assistance the state is giving you may decrease, don't quote me on this one because each county is different.
also, be aware that if you decide you want more money, you have to pay a new filing fee to set another hearing schedule...
you deserve child support, and it is not a bad thing to file for, think about your child/ren.
the drama is avoided by filinh for child support by avoiding having him to be late paying you, and you needing the money, or him having excuses as to why he may not be paying...
if you would like to talk about this further, feel free to call me ###-###-####... after three years of being a social worker, i love to help people!!!
good luck!!
A.