If separated the absent parent still has the same financial obligation for support of child?

He's saying since neither of us has yet to go to a lawyer ..... I cannot afford one ..... that he can't be forced to pay. I believe that as a father he should man up and take care of his child. Does anyone know what the LAW is concerning this question?If separated the absent parent still has the same financial obligation for support of child?
He will not man up and even if a court settlement says he must pay XXXX amount per month he will not,I can tell this by your statement. He is a looser.The law states that if that is his child he must provide support until the child is 18 and beyond if it is attending college,makes no difference married or not. You can check the phone book under local government for assistance I think it's child support division.