Most people, including those in Georgia and Cobb County, Georgia, may think that professional athletes have no trouble at all when it comes to finances. Most would assume that sports stars, with their huge paychecks, have no problem paying child support. Well, that may not always be the case; just ask former Indiana Pacer Kenny Ray Williams.
While many people may not remember Williams, he was a popular basketball player in the late 1980s. He was eventually drafted by the Indiana Pacers when he made his jump to the National Basketball Association. Now, he's facing charges after incurring more than $660,000 in delinquent child support payments.
According to prosecutors, the former NBA player was making $750,000 annually in 1994 but was not fulfilling his child support obligations. After leaving the NBA, he played overseas between 1995 and 2000 and made approximately $90,000 to $180,000 annually. Prosecutors also claim that he made a plea agreement 13 years ago but did not honor it. Now, Williams will face the possibility of a nine-month prison term and a restitution payment totaling $661,277.
Williams's case should teach a valuable lesson to Georgia and Cobb County residents who are obligated to pay child support. Those who owe child support should take the opportunity to settle the monthly payments, especially when they still have a good source of income. If a situation arises where the person's income is decreased considerably, a supporting parent should consider a child support modification instead of simply not paying child support. Consulting a family law professional may help answer questions about child support modification.
Georgia and Cobb County supporting parents should also bear in mind that financial obligations to a child do not end with the divorce. Taking child support lightly can seriously compromise a child's everyday life and cause legal consequences to a delinquent parent as well.