Parents who agree to part ways often struggle to provide for their children afterwards. In order to ensure that children are provided with all of their needs, family court judges usually order child support payments until the child reaches the age of majority or finishes his or her education. Texas parents who are experiencing difficulty in obtaining payments or in meeting court-ordered obligations may have recourse for obtaining relief. In an unusual case, a woman was awarded a settlement more than 50 years after her divorce.
In the 1970s, a mother had been awarded an estimated $160 a month in support for her young child. In order to avoid making these payments, the father purportedly fled to another country. The mother worked diligently to ensure that all of her daughter’s needs were met and that she was able to obtain a college education. Since her daughter is an adult and the woman has retired, she stated that she struggled to make ends meet.
When she realized that her state has no statute of limitations on collecting child support, she sought the assistance of an attorney and contacted her former husband who was now residing in a neighboring state. Based on an estimated 10 percent interest on the original $30,000 in support that the father should have paid, the amount due was approximately $170,000. After a private hearing, a settlement agreement of $150,000 was reached.
It is unclear whether the woman has received the settlement payment. She expressed her appreciation for the outcome and has encouraged other parents to pursue the issue if they are owed back child support. Texas parents who find themselves struggling with child support may seek assistance in filing a petition for a modification depending on the circumstances. A family law attorney can provide guidance in these matters as well as other family law issues.