Terrell Owens Files for a Modification of His Court Ordered Child Support
When you’re down on your luck and out of a job, it can be very stressful if you also have to worry about making monthly child support payments. Anyone can experience financial difficulties when their monthly income takes a dive, even sports stars. Just ask former Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Terrell Owens about his child support payment issues. Earlier today, CBSsports.com reported that Owens has asked a judge to consider lowering the amount of his child support payments since he’s jobless and isn’t bringing in as much money as he once was.
Currently a free agent in the 2011-2012 NFL season, Owens’ financial state has gone downhill from when the terms of his child support were first created. So as a result of his money troubles, Owens filed for a child support modification in an effort to make his payments more manageable. Then on Oct. 24, Owens failed to appear in court for a child support modification hearing, which means that the entire process could continue to drag on for some time. It’s unfortunate and sad when parents can’t afford their monthly child support payments, but it can be even worse if they miss court dates. This prolongs the entire process and causes more grief for everyone involved.
Owens’ situation shows just how critical it is for parents to keep the court updated on their current financial status in order to avoid some of the messy problems related to child support. It’s never a good idea to stop paying child support because, in the end, it’s the child who usually suffers the most. Owens made a great move in filing for the modification, but missing his court date wasn’t such a great idea.
I hope that Owens can get his finances back on tract, as issues related to child support can be emotionally draining and complicated. I also encourage anyone who can no longer afford their child support payments to contact a family law attorney right away. An attorney can work to get you the help you need and guide you through the child support modification process. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with myself, Mesa child support attorney Timothy Durkin, please feel free to contact my office directly at (480)-464-1111.