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Judge orders stay in child support case for lottery winner

On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Child Support on Tuesday, April 9, 2013.

After winning a large Powerball jackpot while knowing that a warrant had been issued for his arrest, a New Jersey father can breathe a slight sigh of relief. Although the man owes approximately $29,000 in back child support, a judge has ordered a stay for the warrant that was issued against him.

The Passaic County Sheriff announced that the warrant has been stayed for a few days until the man is expected to appear in a New Jersey superior court in Paterson. The warrant had previously been issued against the man as his back child support bill approached $30,000. The stay is only temporary.

The New Jersey father won a Powerball jackpot worth $338 million. He opted for a lump-sum payment worth $221 million. The 44-year-old man is expected to receive approximately $152 million after taxes are paid on the amount. The child support that is unpaid goes back to 2009. The man has five children, and it is not yet known which of the children the payments are due toward. A spokesman for the sheriff’s department says that the Lottery Division typically satisfies outstanding judgments before winnings are provided to the winner.

Like New Jersey, Illinois will intercept lottery winnings if child support is owed through a court-ordered agreement. Individuals who are owed back child support or who wish to establish an order of support to provide for their minor children may wish to consult with an Illinois family law attorney. This individual may be able to help establish a child support order that is based on the financial needs of the child, including everyday expenses, medical expenses and expenses for extracurricular activities.

Source: USA Today, “Child support warrant stayed for Powerball winner,” March 30, 2013