When it comes to paying support to their former spouses, some in Pennsylvania who have to pay it would do almost anything to get out of that financial obligation. One person choosing the “anything” would be the original Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider. He is requesting jail time over paying spousal support to his ex-wife, Elly.
Schneider was behind in his alimony payments and was sentenced to a three-day jail term. However, he was discharged the same day due to state’s overloaded penal system. There were several financial conditions he could have met to suspend another five-day jail sentence for contempt, but he stated that, although he would like to take advantage of the opportunity, he had too much debt to be able to meet those conditions.
Other than his overdue spousal support of more than $150,000, Schneider also owes back taxes on some property. He would have had a paycheck from an entertainment management company with which he works, but previous advances on his earnings have eliminated any money he would have been paid. Elly’s attorneys, however, want the chance to question Schneider under oath about his indebtedness and are working toward having their day in court.
The court takes into account several factors to determine who pays what amount of spousal support. Should changes in income occur for the one paying, there can be a modification in support, but there are likely conditions that will need to be met. Pennsylvania residents who have questions about spousal support should contact an attorney who specializes in this area of family law.
