A judge assigned to a high-stakes child support and custody case has made another determination that Texas family law judges and attorneys undoubtedly have watched closely.
Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry has been ordered to pay her child’s father $20,000 a month in child support. Their daughter is just 4, but they have already fought in court over paternity and custody.
More recently, Berry and the man have tangled over the care the girl receives when she is with her father. A nanny accused the man of pushing her into the wall as she held the girl, resulting in him being investigated by state officials for child endangerment. The nanny said she suffered both physically and emotionally, but no action was taken because of a lack of evidence.
Berry also said that she is afraid that her daughter will be harmed while with her father and that she returns to her “traumatized” after spending time with the man. Additionally, Berry also has contended that the man has made disparaging, racially toned comments about her and that he does not want the girl called “black.”
The man received the child support even though the girl lives with Berry primarily. The couple separated in April 2010 when the girl was 2, but this was the first time a court has ordered child support.
Another court battle likely will ensue over Berry’s desire to move to Paris and take the girl with her. Berry is now engaged to another actor, and the couple wants to move together to his native France, hoping to give the girl a European education.
In cases like this, the legal battle likely isn’t over. If Berry feels as strongly as she does, then it’s likely she will appeal the ruling. But what isn’t recommended for someone ordered to pay child support is to stop paying. That can lead to legal troubles.
Source: News One, “Halle Berry Ordered to Pay Baby Daddy Big Bucks in Child Support!” Ruth Manuel-Logan, June 20, 2012