Child Support Lawsuit Filed Against 83-Year-Old Basketball Star

Illinois readers may be familiar with a recent lawsuit against Meadowlark Lemon, former star of the Harlem Globetrotters, that pertains to a decades-old child support order. The lawsuit states that Mr. Lemon stopped paying his court-ordered $2,500 monthly child support payment one year after his 1977 divorce and seeks $250,000 from the basketball legend.

The son, also speaking for his mother, states that his dad’s failure to financially provide for the family led to serious financial problems for him and his mom. Mr. Lemon’s son, who is now 48 years old, blames his financially unstable childhood for many of his personal problems in adulthood. Mr. Lemon responded to the lawsuit by suggesting that his son may have run out of money and should seek employment.

Typically, child support obligations are determined before a divorce is finalized. Concerns about support should be addressed as early as possible, especially if a parent cannot meet his or her financial obligations. Modifications to support arrangements are possible, but it is important to seek changes through the proper legal channels. When a parent fails to meet his or her financial obligations, the other party has the right to seek a legal resolution to this complicated situation.

Child support disputes are some of the most common issues faced by Illinois couples in a divorce. It may be difficult to prove that a support order is enforceable after years or decades, but these issues can be deftly navigated with the help of a knowledgeable attorney. As with all complex family law issues, it can be beneficial to seek a complete evaluation in order to understand one’s legal options.

Source: New York Daily News, “Harlem Globetrotters’ star Meadowlark Lemon sued for $250,000 in child support“, Doyle Murphy, May 17, 2015