California courts got serious about child support this week when Dennis Rodman, the former NBA player, was sentenced to community service and three years informal probation for failure to pay child support. An Orange County court official stated that Rodman was charged with contempt for failing to pay child support and must do 104 hours of community service as part of the sentence.
Rodman is required to pay his current spousal and child support, but he also owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in back child support. His attorneys assert that Rodman is broke and is unable to pay the support amounts. When Rodman's third ex-wife first petitioned the court for a divorce in 2004, Rodman was likely living outside of his means, stating himself that his lifestyle cost more than $31,000 per month. The marriage between the two finally ended this year.
In March, Rodman owed $860,376 in spousal and child support and faced charges for contempt of court. He has yet another court date set at the end June to settle any remaining disputes and issues over child support.
Rodman is known by many for his eccentric behavior. According to news reports, police were called to his oceanfront home in Newport Beach 80 times.
Courts take many factors into account in order to determine child custody and support payments. These decisions are made with the best interests of the child in mind. If there is ever a problem regarding enforcement of a child custody or support order, an experienced family law attorney may be able to help.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Dennis Rodman gets 104 hours of service in child support dispute," May 29, 2012
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