While the television series “Two and a Half Men” takes divorce lightly, many divorced and divorcing parents in Orange County, California, know that settling divorce issues concerning their child can be complicated. In a recent turn of events, one of the show’s stars, Jon Cryer, won a decision against his ex-wife who had filed for more child support.
The court denied his ex-wife’s petition to have the actor pay $88,000 a month in child support. She asked for the tenfold increase contending that Cryer should pay more now because he recently gave her equal child custody. Previously, she only had four percent custody.
In addition, she stated that the child needs additional support to keep up with his peers’ lavish lifestyle. However, the court rejected the petition, stating there are no circumstantial changes that require the increase in child support. Cryer and his ex-wife divorced in 2004. In 2011, the actor was ordered to pay $8,000 per month in child support.
Although divorce nullifies the marriage, it is important for the parents to take care of the needs of the child. Inadequate and delinquent child support payments can compromise the best interests of the child.
The court decides whether child support modification is warranted or not. The child’s needs may change over time and those could affect the amount of support required.
Unfortunately, there are circumstances when a parent fails to either pay or collect child support. When that happens, it could be a financial burden for the custodial parent. For the noncustodial parent, nonpayment of child support is a contempt of court, and can result in penalties including prison.
Source: MSN, “Jon Cryer’s ex loses bid for child support increase,” Jan. 29, 2014
