Basketball fans in California may know Lance Stephenson for his tireless and unselfish play with the Los Angeles Clippers, but it was not the New York native’s three-point shooting or defensive work rate that was making headlines on Dec. 12. That was the day the mother of his 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son was back in a Brooklyn family court seeking to have her $6,000 per month child support doubled.
The woman claims that the child support she presently receives from Stephenson is not enough to find an appropriate home for the children. She currently lives in a Brooklyn neighborhood, where she says the sound of gunshots is not uncommon. The woman told the judge hearing the case that she would need $12,000 per month from Stephenson to move the children to a safer part of the borough.
Stephenson was seen in Brooklyn on Sept. 3 when the case first went before a judge. He said that he provides ample funds to adequately raise his children, and he pointed out that the woman deposited large amounts of the money he sent her into a savings account. His attorney also said that she may have used money paid to her in child support to further her music video career. He also told the judge that the woman pays nothing towards the cost of raising the children and has her personal expenses taken care of.
This case shows how contentious child support disputes can become. Experienced family law attorneys may urge parents involved in such disputes to reach an amicable arrangement if possible. Coming to an agreement will save on legal costs and avoid the unpredictable outcome of a court action. However, attorneys could advocate vigorously in court on behalf of their clients if a settlement cannot be reached.
Source: New York Daily News, NBA star Lance Stephenson in Brooklyn court over child support battle with ex – who wants $12K a month, Christina Carrega-Woodby, Sept. 3, 2015