When a couple decides to split, the break-up can be difficult for both parties. When that couple parented children together, emotions can run high and things can become stressful. Child custody and child support can also come in to play. In Colorado, child support is determined based on the Colorado child support guidelines, which take factors such as the parents’ financial situations and the needs of the children into consideration. It’s when couples disagree on how much their children should get that a case can become complicated.
Recently, the ex-fiancée of NBA star Gilbert Arenas was confronted with this situation when the two split following Arenas’ move from Washington to Florida earlier this season. The couple has three children together and are expecting a fourth. She says Arenas cut off all support after being traded to the Orlando Magic, so she decided to file child custody and child support papers to help maintain the lifestyle the family led when the couple was together.
Officials delivered the papers to the NBA player during halftime of a Feb. 3 game against the Miami Heat. Arenas denies cutting off support, saying he continues to send his ex and their children $20,000 a month. His ex, however, reportedly wants much more than that.
According to the child custody and support papers, the ex-fiancée is seeking payments of $1.3 million a year – over five times what Arenas claims to be paying her now. To give reason for seeking such a high amount, the basketball star’s ex described the lifestyle the couple and their children maintained before their split. She cited a $10,000 vacation to Orlando water parks, a credit card given to her by Arenas to which she was allowed unlimited access, frequent shopping trips with the children to high-end clothing stores, and the $1 million engagement ring the NBA player gave her.
Filing for child custody and child support is not always an easy thing to do. When one parent is reluctant to provide support or the couple can’t come to an agreement, it can make the situation difficult to handle. During times like these, it is important to remember that a separation or divorce often affects the children more than anyone else. Doing what is in their best interest is the most important thing.
Source
The Washington Post: “Playing he-said-she-said,” 10 Feb. 2011