Known for his breakout role in the Dukes of Hazard, actor John Schneider has had what many would say is a successful career in Hollywood. It afforded him a good life for himself and his family. When he and his wife finalized their divorce in 2014, he was expected to help her maintain the lifestyle to which she had become accustomed during their marriage. So, like many breadwinning spouses in Missouri and elsewhere, he was ordered to pay spousal support.
According to reports, Mr. Schneider has been ordered to pay just under $19,000 in monthly support to his ex. This in an obligation he is accused of failing to meet, however. His ex wife recently filed a complaint in court, saying that he owes her approximately $185,000 in back support. If he doesn’t pay up soon, she has asked the court to consider maximum punishment for failure to pay. In his particular case, this punishment is a short jail term.
John says that he has had some financial setbacks, which have made it difficult for him to meet his support obligation. His income just is not what it used to be, despite his efforts to seek steady income. On top of that, all his extra money went to pay for repairs on his flooded movie studio.
A change in financial circumstances is generally accepted as a reason for lowering the amount one owes in spousal support. However, one must meet the support obligation set forth in the divorce settlement until an adjustment is officially sought and approved in court. Missouri residents who find themselves struggling to pay alimony can help themselves by seeking order modifications as soon as possible following economic hardships. An experienced family law attorney can assist with such requests.
Source: msn.com, “‘Dukes of Hazzard’s’ John Schneider facing jail time over unpaid spousal support, report says”, Sasha Savitsky, Feb. 1, 2018
