In this still-stagnant economy, many Texas parents are continuing to struggle to make ends meet. This is especially true for single parents, most of whom rely on child support to pay all of their monthly expenses. But as millions of these parents can attest, payments from a child’s noncustodial parent aren’t always a sure thing, if they come at all. The reasons are varied; some parents are unemployed or underemployed and can’t afford to support themselves or their children. Others simply refuse to pay what they owe, despite a risk of financial penalties and jail time.
Among those who can afford to pay child support but don’t are some celebrities. In past blog posts we’ve discussed the trials of former professional athletes who claim they don’t make the salaries they used to and as a result can’t afford to support their children at the level the court ordered them to. Still, there are a few high earners who admit they don’t have much in the way of an excuse.
One of these is hip hop producer Scott Storch. Responsible for hits by 50 Cent, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera, the multiplatinum producer owes nearly $30,000 in child support payments. After Storch missed a court date for failure to pay, a judge issued an arrest warrant for him. His attorney has assured the press that his client is prepared to take responsibility; unfortunately, as in so many non-celebrity child support cases in Texas, it took the threat of law enforcement action for Storch to agree to pay up.
The music producer has at least admitted that drugs and lavish spending have led him to spin out of control and make poor decisions in the past. Even a few years ago he told MTV that he had no excuse for owning 15 to 20 cars when “three or four” would have been adequate. With any luck, he’ll soon pay the mother of his child what she’s owed.
Texas parents who don’t have children with wealthy ex-partners still have the right to pursue child support. Consulting a family law attorney is a good first step toward getting the payments you and your child deserve.
Source: MTV, “Scott Storch Plans To Clear Up Child Support Debt,” Rob Markman, Oct. 15, 2012