A recent windfall for a father from another state resulted in an intense amount of media scrutiny for him, which only increased once it was reported that he owed nearly $30,000 in back child support. The father of five struck it rich by winning a $338 million Powerball jackpot. Texas parents who are going through child support matters of their own may find this case interesting since it involves something relatively common-a support dispute-paired with exceedingly rare circumstances-a parent hitting the Powerball jackpot.
Pedro Quezada, who has children ranging in ages from five to 23, is expected to claim about $152 million in a lump sum payout after paying taxes. A family law judge had issued an arrest warrant for him after word of his lottery win hit the news. Quezada appeared in court to pay the overdue child support and ultimately had his arrest warrant rescinded.
In New Jersey, where Quezada resides, those who win any amount higher than $600 from the New Jersey Lottery are compared to databases of those who have any outstanding liens or taxes on the books. Those who do will then have the amount deducted from their lottery winnings before receiving any funds directly. After Quezada showed up in court to pay the overdue child support, he indicated that his children would be moving in with him.
At that point, he would likely be able to petition the court for a child support modification so that his payment amount reflects the situation appropriately if he does become the children’s custodial parent. In Texas, non-custodial parents who experience a change in circumstances may be able to request such a modification from a family law court. On the other hand, a custodial parent may also be able to petition a court in the event that the other parent is not keeping up with their support payments accordingly.
Source: ketknbc.com, “Powerball winner pays $30,000 in back child support,” April 1, 2013
