As reported by Colorado Politics in their article, “Appeals Court Rules Man Cannot Use Ex-Wife’s 16-Year-Old Email to Avoid $233,000 in Child Support,” a Colorado court has reinforced that child support obligations cannot be waived by informal agreements.
Key Takeaways from the Case:
- James Gallo attempted to avoid paying $233,000 in child support based on a 2008 email from his ex-wife stating he didn’t need to pay due to his illness and unemployment.
- The Colorado Court of Appeals rejected his claim, ruling that child support is a legal obligation that cannot be overridden by a private agreement between parents.
- The court also ruled that “promissory estoppel”—a legal doctrine allowing someone to rely on a promise—does not apply to child support cases.
What This Means for Child Support Cases:
- Child support orders remain legally binding even if one parent verbally or informally agrees to waive payments.
- Only a court-approved modification can change or eliminate child support obligations.
- Non-payment can result in serious legal consequences, including wage garnishment, license suspension, and legal action.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of Colorado Politics — https://www.coloradopolitics.com