On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Support on Friday, November 30, 2012.
Due to the recent recession, many fathers have found themselves in tough financial spots unable to keep up with child support payments. How this happens absolutely makes sense. However, without first obtaining a child support modification, a father can find himself facing significant criminal consequences for falling behind.
This recently happened to rather well-known comedian Joe Piscopo. Due to his profession as an actor and entertainer, his income is not always consistent. This was supposedly the reason why he fell $50,000 behind on child support payments to his ex-wife. The two have three children together.
However, while this may be true, she claimed the real issue was not a lack of income, claiming he is continuing to live the same lifestyle as when they were married. She, on the other hand, is not. She even claimed the lack of payments was impacting her ability to pay for her rent and utilities.
Since falling $50,000 behind on child support, Piscopo was able to make a number of substantial payments, bringing the total owed to $30,000. Recently, a judge ruled that he must also pay her $10,000 by the end of last month.
When it comes to making child support payments, there is no doubt that a significant decrease in the noncustodial parent’s income would make it more difficult to keep up with the amount of the original child support order. However, when this happens, the most logical thing to do is to contact an attorney in order to look into a possible child support modification.
Source: The Star-Ledger, “Judge orders Joe Piscopo to pay $10K in child support,” Julia Terruso, Nov. 30, 2012
