When California parents go through a divorce, the one who is granted physical custody will often be awarded child support. Usually based on state guidelines, child support is often crucial to the well-being of both the custodial parent and the child. There can be serious consequences for a failure to pay child support. This issue can affect anyone, even those who are prominent.
Such was the case when the rapper DMX was recently arrested in New York City for not keeping current with his child support payments. The 44-year-old performer, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was taken into custody for what law enforcement authorities said were several issues in addition to his delinquency.
Mr. Simmons is said to owe $400,000 in back child support. In addition he is alleged to have jumped bail in White Plains and faces a complaint for a robbery in New Jersey. He has yet to be charged for the New Jersey allegations. Mr. Simmons was preparing to perform at Radio City Music Hall in the Masters of Ceremony show. His representatives did not reply to requests for comment pertaining to his arrest.
When there is an order entered by a court for child support, it is important that the noncustodial parent follows it and keeps up with the payments. There can be significant sanctions for a failure to pay, including potential wage garnishments, bank account attachments and driver’s license suspensions. Those who are owed delinquent payments may want to discuss the various methods of collection that may be available with a family law attorney.
Source: Fox News, ‘Rapper DMX arrested in New York City over unpaid child support,” June 28, 2015