Powerball winner owes child support
Parents are all too aware of what it costs to raise a child. Many single parents in Orange County, California-like parents across the country-have to depend on government support because the other parent is not meeting his or her child support obligations. Delinquent payments are a very common problem, and new remedies are being put in place to address the issue.
One such remedy is the garnishing of winnings in the lotteries that are run in many states, as well as in some tribal casinos. Delinquent child support payments can be withheld from lottery winnings, by court order, as happened to the latest New Jersey Powerball winner, who was found to owe $29,000 in child support payments going back to 2009. The 44-year-old father of five won a $338 million jackpot and is claiming the lump sum total of $152 million after taxes.
The local sheriff’s office is attempting to contact the winner in hopes of resolving the matter. The state’s lottery division generally satisfies child support judgments before disbursing cash winnings. However, until the overdue payments are made, the winner is subject to arrest. The deadbeat dad could not be reached, and his deli is now officially closed and for sale.
Winning the lottery is a positive life-changing event. Although winning a jackpot makes a lot of money problems go away, failing to make delinquent payments may still lead to jail time.
California does not tolerate deadbeat parents, and its lottery regulations ensure that the government can claim arrears. Parents who struggle to pay or fall behind on their child support payments due to loss of a job or a health related issue or disability can seek the help of a legal professional who can arrange for child support modification to make things fair for both parties.
Source: Reuters.com, “Powerball jackpot winner owes $29,000 in child support: sheriff,” Dave Warner, Mar. 28, 2013
