California TV fans might have heard that actor Charlie Sheen has filed for a reduction of child support payments to ex-wife Denise Richards, claiming that his income has significantly declined. He also recently filed for a reduction in child support payments to former spouse Brooke Mueller.
According to court filings, the former “Two and a Half Men” star pays $55,000 a month to each actress for the support of his children. However, he claims his income has “drastically” dipped and he is struggling to pay medical bills related to his HIV-positive status. He has two daughters with Richards, whom he divorced in 2006. He has twin sons with Mueller, whom he divorced in 2011. His divorce agreement with Mueller stipulates that he cannot pay her less in child support than he pays Richards.
Media reports say that Sheen used to earn approximately $613,000 per month, but he now brings in only $86,384 each month. He claims that he has personal expenses of around $80,000 each month and owes an additional $25,000 in monthly medical expenses not covered by his health insurance. He reportedly sold his financial stake in “Two and a Half Men” for $26.7 million in order to pay some of his bills but is still $12 million in debt.
Parents who are involved in a child support dispute sometimes forget that the best interests of the child, rather than winning or losing, should be the ultimate goal. However, if a parent is truly unable to meet those obligations due to an unexpected financial downturn, an attorney could be of assistance in seeking a modification of the order.