Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Failure to pay child support

My half-brother, who is unemployed, was jailed for being $7500 in arrears for child support. The judge stated that he would remain in jail until the money is paid or at least until the next hearing which will be on Sept. 20. This is more than a month away. How long can he be kept in jail? The only one in the family who could help him with the money is his father, but they are not speaking, so I do not think that this will happen. Can he be kept in jail indefinately? What are his rights?


Asked on 8/17/01, 7:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Failure to pay child support

The longest I have ever seen anyone sit in jail for contempt charges is 3 months. However, there is no set "limit".

If he can come up with some money, even if less than the purge amount, he (or an attorney on his behalf) may be able to convince the Judge to "reduce the purge amount".

Please call me to discuss this further. It would be better if you could tell me who the Judge is, so I can give advice as to the likelihood of reducing the purge.

/s/ Rich J. Peters, Attorney

[email protected]

also, see our wesbite: www.familylawaz.com

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Answered on 8/20/01, 12:13 pm


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