Failing to pay child support, could land you broke and in jail.

This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.

Michael Marsden {if you know the photo credit please contact the firm}

As hard as it may seem, it is always better to confront than to avoid. Michael Madsen of Thelma & Louis, Reservoir Dogs, and Kill Bill fame may learn that the hard way. According to news sources the actor, who is alleged to owe an estimated $570,000 in child support and alimony, failed to show for his last court appearance regarding these issues. As a result a warrant was issued for his arrest and bail is suppose to have been set at $26,000. Few people know that non-payment of child support can be pursued in a civil action by the State (or by the person to whom child support or alimony is do), or in extreme cases can be charged out criminally by the State. If a person owing child support is in arrears for more then a statutory amount (in Minnesota it's three times the amount of monthly child support) the State or the person to whom the money is owed can file a Contempt action requesting the person owing child support or alimony answer why she/he is in violation of the order to pay child support or alimony. In that Contempt action the State or person to whom money is owed can request jail/workhouse time. This is just the tip of the iceberg in a Contempt hearing. But when the person who owes child support or alimony does not show for the Contempt hearing, and they've been properly served, a warrant can be issued for their arrest. This may have been the case with Mr. Madsen. Having been a Public Defender representing client's in these types of cases, no matter what it's always best to pay something (even if it's not the full amount) continually, as oppose to nothing continually-especially in the realm of child support. Why? It significantly lowers the probability the State will bring an action against a person who is paying something, and that person can sleep better at night. 

What would be the arguments you would make (assuming they are true) on Mr. Madsen's behalf for having such a large child support arrears amount? You be the attorney. 

---