In a child support battle, it is important for the feuding parents to put the needs of the child ahead of their own for the sake of the health and well-being of the child. In a recent celebrity case, Mel Gibson has been ordered to pay $750,000 in child support to his ex-girlfriend, Russian musician Oksana Grigorieva. The payment is to be divided into thirds, with Grigorieva receiving the last payment in 2016.
Child support is often determined by the parents’ incomes, with this particular case being similar to the child support that Gibson currently pays for his other seven children. As part of this agreement, Gibson will continue to pay for the multi-million dollar home that he purchased for Grigorieva and their daughter. Once the child turns 18, the house is to be sold and the money will go into a trust fund for the child.
Both parents have agreed on the amount of time each spends with the child as part of the agreement. The agreement also provides protection of assets, as Grigorieva can no longer pursue any sort of civil case against Gibson pursuant to the agreement.
It is claimed that Grigorieva was offered a deal worth $15 million last year, but that agreement was subject to taxation. Therefore, she refused because it would have reduced its actual value. The $750,000 that she will receive in this settlement is tax-free. Oksana’s attorney claims this deal is good for her, as the deal is worth about $5 million once her music rights are factored in as well as the fact that she will be living rent-free.
Both parents thanked the judge for the resolution of the child support and custody battle, as the pair can now move on with their lives and the fight will no longer negatively affect the child. Individuals facing child support disputes of their own may find it helpful to seek legal advice.
Source: Newser, “Nasty legal fight between Mel Gibson, ex-girlfriend ends with $750,000 child support deal,” Anthony Mccartney, Aug 31, 2011