Texas fans of Grammy-winning crooner Marc Anthony know that the singer has had his share of marital ups and downs. His marriage to Jennifer Lopez lasted from 2004 to 2011, but before J.Lo, there was former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. The couple were married in May 2000 and had two sons, now ages 9 and 11. The relationship was a rocky one, and despite efforts to stay together by renewing their vows in 2002, the two eventually split in 2003 and divorced one year later.
Although most casual fans of the singer have long forgotten about the pre-J.Lo relationship, Anthony doesn’t have that luxury. He continues to make hefty alimony payments to Torres, an actor and singer who isn’t exactly destitute without his household income. He also pays child support for his two sons.
The amount he owes each month for alimony and child support was recently made public. According to court documents, Anthony pays $3,500 per month in alimony to Torres and another $6,500 per month for each of his two sons, for a total monthly obligation of $16,500. It’s not clear whether he also pays child support for the twins he had with Lopez, who has considerable — and possibly higher — earnings of her own.
Because his career remains highly successful, Anthony can and does meet his spousal and child support obligations. But not everyone has the means to do so. Many Texas residents are making multiple alimony and child support payments as the result of more than one relationship. When those relationships end, the obligations don’t. And those who don’t have the financial means to make the court-ordered payments can face harsh penalties for falling behind.
There’s nothing wrong with ending a relationship and starting a new one — Anthony and Lopez were married just one week after his divorce from Torres was finalized. But as you embark on that new path, don’t forget to look behind you. If you’re behind on your alimony and child support from a past marriage, you may find Texas court authorities on your tail.
Source: Examiner.com, “Singer Marc Anthony’s alimony to wife and child support funds released,” Ruthy Ferrera, Nov. 18, 2012