California judges typically order parents to support their children financially when they divorce. Parents who were never married but end their relationships are also subject to child support orders. It should come as no surprise that it’s a big mistake to disregard a court order, as popular commentator Steve Gill recently learned.
Anyone who knocks on Gill’s door at home will not find him there, at least for the time being. That’s because he is in jail. In May, a judge ordered him to pay $170,000 in child support. Gill was given 10 days to pay the past due amount in full. Such decisions are made at the court’s discretion and while there are typically state guidelines to help judges formulate their decisions, the court considers each case by its own merit.
When Gill reportedly failed to adhere to the court order, the judge issued a warrant for his arrest. The judge also set bond at the exact amount Gill owes in child support. The situation was initially brought to the court’s attention when Gill’s ex filed a petition for civil contempt against him.
Gill’s ex sought more than $80,000 in child support at that time, plus money for her children’s college expenses, medical bills and a car she had bought for her kids. As this case suggests, courts do not look favorably on those who fail in their legal obligation to provide for their children’s financial well-being. Any California parent concerned about such issues may request a meeting with an experienced family law attorney for guidance and support.