New Jersey fans of the TV show “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta” may be aware that star Stevie J has been involved in several child support disputes. Complicating the matter is that he has six children in multiple states. The youngest was born in December 2016.
In February 2017, Stevie J pleaded guilty to charges related to not paying child support. He owed more than $1.3 million and was ordered to pay at least half of that and given three years probation.
However, he eventually stopped making payments altogether. Usually, neglecting to pay child support is handled on a state level. Because his case involves several states and a large amount of money, it has become a federal matter. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York says Stevie J will be required to report to prison on April 10 because of nonpayment.
Child support is generally paid to the custodial parent by the noncustodial parent. Income level and other factors are taken into account when child support is awarded. In order to be protected against failed payments, parents should go through the legal process and get a formal child support and custody arrangement. If a parent is unable to make child support payments, they should not simply stop paying. Instead, the parent can go to court and ask for a modification in child support. A parent who is supposed to receive child support and is not can also turn to the legal system for help. The paying parent’s wages might be garnished or other steps may be taken.
