Michigan residents probably know that a divorce involving children can be difficult. Once the process is finalized or paternity is established, the non-custodial parent is required under the law to pay child support to help the other parent financially with the upbringing of the child. When payments abruptly stop or the non-custodial parent refuses to pay pursuant to the court order, the other parent can file for enforcement of child support. Failure to pay can result in jail time for the non-custodial parent.
Former NFL player Terrell Owens dodged jail time after he cleared his child support arrears by paying the mother of his 7-year-old daughter. Pursuant to previous agreements, Owens was required to pay $5,000 per month in child support. In past incidents of non-payment, he reportedly paid just before the case would go to court, but then did not make any subsequent payments. Lawyers in the case came to an agreement before the most recent hearing, and under the terms of the agreement Owens paid the child support he owed, and agreed to pay legal fees. Since Owens is no longer an NFL player, the parties have indicated that they are open to exploring a reduction in his child support payments.
Michigan resident facing similar situations with non-payment of child support, or those who are delinquent in payments and are in a child support dispute as a result, have options. In these harsh economic times, both custodial and non-custodial parents may face challenges in meeting their monthly financial obligations. Under certain circumstances, a child support modification to increase or decrease the amount to be paid is possible due to a change in income or other circumstances.
Every case and situation is different, and both the custodial and non-custodial parent have options to resolve child support disputes.
Source: Yahoo Sports, “Former NFL Player Owens pays back child support,” Kate Brumback, July 19, 2012
