Being a parent is a complicated thing. While it is about more than the level of financial contribution California parents are able to make, there is no doubt that child support is an important part of many parents’ responsibilities. This holds true regardless of the amounts of support involved, although there are times when agreements may need modifications.
It has been reported that Travis Barker, the drummer in pop group Blink 182, has become unhappy with the level of child support payments he makes to his ex, model and reality star Shanna Moakler, for the care of their two children. At the time the payments were initially agreed upon, Barker’s annual income was in excess of $2 million, resulting in payments of $18,000 per month. He is now allegedly seeking to reduce those payments to around $2,900 per month, claiming that his income in 2015 was less than $600,000.
Barker has admitted that his assets are close to $37 million, which may have a bearing on any decision to reduce his level of support. It is also alleged that he is seeking alterations to his custody arrangement, citing examples of neglectful behavior and claims that the money intended to support their children is being misused by their mother, although the specifics of the changes Barker seeks have not been reported. If such changes are approved, this is also likely to have an impact upon the level of payments he will be required to make.
The amounts involved in this instance are far greater than those with which the majority of California parents will be familiar, but the principle remains the same. Changes in personal circumstances can and do lead to adjustments in levels of child support payments, and either parent may request that the arrangement be reassessed. Seeking guidance appropriate to each individual’s personal circumstances is important in order to ensure that the best interests of the child or children are served.
Source: tmz.com, “Travis Barker: My Child Custody Deal Sucks … Shanna Has Drugs and I’m Less Rich“, Feb. 26, 2016