Some California parents of minor children might relate to the celebrity child support and custody battles that frequently play out in the headlines. Singer and songwriter Kelis has filed a court petition requesting an increase in child support payments for her young son. The father, hip-hop recording artist Nas, currently pays $8,000 a month to his ex-wife to cover the child’s expenses.
The petition arrived shortly after the ex-spouses resolved a custody dispute. Nas had complained that his ex-wife blocked regular access to his son. Their custody settlement allowed Nas to care for his son during four weekends across three months.
Court filings from Kelis expressed her view that Nas, who is allegedly earning more money now than when they reached their original child support agreement five years ago, could afford to pay more than $8,000 a month. The petition did not place an exact figure on her demand, but she wanted the father to pay 50 percent of school expenses plus child care and healthcare costs. A family court judge has yet to rule on the case.
A change in financial circumstances might justify a modification to an existing child support order. An attorney who has experience could advise a parent about this possibility after reviewing the specific finances of the family. To help a client pursue financial support, an attorney who has experience with these types of family law matters could document the everyday expenses for the child. Information about parental income would also be included when filing a request with the court.