TMZ.com recently reported that actor Darius McCrary, most well known for his role on “Family Matters,” was arrested and briefly jailed for neglecting to pay his child support. A Michigan judge told McCrary that he could either pay his arrears, totaling $5,500, or spend two weeks in jail. McCrary decided to pay his arrears.
This case highlights one of the many potential consequences for failure to pay child support. New Jersey, like Michigan, has a number of options from which a judge can choose in order to persuade an individual to comply with his or her child support obligation. Though prison time is a severe and rare consequence, under Rule 5:3-7, it is an option for a judge. In addition, a judge may require payment of arrears, suspend a driver’s license, order economic sanctions, or require community service.
Because of the harsh consequences of failing to pay child support, it may be important to speak with a lawyer about your legal options. For instance, upon a showing of changed circumstances, a court may be able to modify a child support obligation, which could provide for lower child support payments. See Lepis v. Lepis, 83 N.J. 139 (1980).
If you have questions about child support, call the experienced attorneys at Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri LLC at (973) 274-5200 today to discuss your situation.
