Latest News 2012 June Dennis Rodman Sentenced to Over 100 Hours of Community Service for Failing to Pay Child Support

Dennis Rodman Sentenced to Over 100 Hours of Community Service for Failing to Pay Child Support

Dennis Rodman, well known for both his performance as a former NBA player and for his flashy persona, has been ordered to complete no less than 104 hours of community service for his failure to pay his ordered child support beginning in 2009, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, Sports Illustrated, and over 300 other news articles.

Rodman's court-ordered community service is the result of four counts of contempt for failing to provide child support for his two children. He is also to complete three years of informal probation – with the condition that he must maintain his monthly payments in both child and spousal support.

Rodman, 51, has been in court several times since his ex-wife, and mother of his two minor children, filed for divorce in 2004.

Barry Michaelson, the Orange County Superior Court Commissioner, told Rodman to use his skills as a basketball player as he works to complete his community service. Michaelson said, "My suggestion is to use your talents as a motivator, as a fine, fine athlete and as a fine person to assist others in need."

Rodman allegedly agreed to work his community service, perhaps with children, near his home in Florida. Rodman said, "It's all about the kids…it does suck the fact that it had to come to this."

Attorneys for Rodman's ex-wife, Michelle Rodman, contend that he owes over $800,000 in unpaid back child support and faces further contempt charges.

A judge found Rodman guilty of four counts of contempt involving child support from 2009 and 2010. However Rodman's attorney, Linnea Willis, said that all four counts were when Rodman was expected to contribute $50,000 a month in child support – that figure that has since been reduced to $4,500 a month, and includes both child and spousal support.

The Rodmans were married in 2003 and their children are now aged 10 and 11.

Jack Kayajanian, the attorney representing Michelle Rodman at the hearing, said he was pleased with the court's ruling and the award of over $30,000 in attorney's fees.

Another hearing, scheduled for June 22, will be to address other outstanding disputes regarding child support and further contempt charges.

Willis has claimed that the amount sought by Michelle Rodman is far more than what his client owes.

Earlier this year court documents were filed in regards to Rodman's financial status. A tax return from 2010 shows $150,000 in earnings while his financial manager, Peggy King, states that also he owes a significant amount of money in back taxes.

Rodman's alcoholism, according to King, has thwarted his career and prevented him from gaining corporate endorsements as well as other work. Rodman, in his own defense, said he was doing fine financially – playing basketball in both Europe and Asia – but he wasn't earning near as much as he did as an NBA player.

Rodman said, "I'm making enough to keep everyone satisfied."

Headed back to court to argue about child or spousal support payments? Contact a Family Law attorney to best suit your needs and avoid contempt charges.

Categories: Child Support, Family Law

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