Beyonces Father Finds Relief With Judges Child Support Ruling
Posted on May 9, 2014 12:00am PDT
Georgians understand that a parent raising a child alone can be difficult,
especially if a parent is not present because of divorce or because the
parents were never married or together. Child support is generally based
on the ability of the noncustodial parent to meet the everyday expenses
of the child living with the custodial parent, including education and
medical expenses. When the noncustodial parent fails to meet that parent's
responsibility, the other parent often becomes the subject of public attention.
Sometimes, though, a noncustodial parent who meets that responsibility
can even catch a break. Matthew Knowles, father of singer Beyonce, recently
enjoyed a little relief when a judge order him to discontinue payments
to the mother of his three-year-old son, because of overpaid support.
The battle over child support began when the woman claimed that Knowles
had gotten behind in paying $12,000 in monthly support. Based on evidence
submitted by Knowles, a judge ruled that the man was incapable of paying
that amount and granted a modification down to $2,485. Knowles returned
to court to ask for further relief because he had been paying the initially
required support of $12,000 since February 2013 even though his income
had dropped.
The judge agreed that Knowles had overpaid $11,000 in support and ordered
him to stop paying for now. Knowles may have to resume support in 2017 or 2018.
This case shows how parents in a lengthy court battle can make it difficult
to reach a fair and just settlement. Whether through negotiation or litigation,
the goal of both parents should be protecting the best interests of their
children even before their own.