Well-known actor requests spousal support modification

Nevada residents considering divorce may be interested in recent documents filed in family court by the actor Terrance Howard, who purportedly owes his second ex-wife $325,000 in spousal support. According to court documents, Howard is asking a judge to revisit the divorce settlement because he can no longer meet his financial obligation to his second ex-wife, Michelle Ghent

Howard claims that he makes approximately $6,000 per month in income after paying spousal support to his first ex-wife and child support to his children. Moreover, Howard argues that he agreed to pay Ghent $325,000 in their divorce settlement only because he was blackmailed and extorted.

Howard’s marriage to Ghent lasted only one year, reportedly. He is required to stay away from her for three years after she made claims that he physically abused her.

The intent of spousal support is to ensure that a spouse who was in a position of financial dependence during marriage may continue to receive a viable income following the divorce. When cases are litigated before a judge, spousal support determinations are based on several factors, including the income of both spouses. Because the process of deciding spousal support can be complex and adversarial, it is important that individuals retain the counsel and representation of a family law attorney to advocate their interests and ensure that they are not obligated to more alimony than they can maintain.

In the event that circumstances change, spousal support obligations may sometimes be adjusted. However, the process of requesting such a modification can also be very complex and adversarial. Howard’s case illustrates this point. In cases that are not easily resolved, the family law attorney may help individuals secure the most favorable spousal support outcome possible.

Source: Daily News, “Terrence Howard says he can’t afford spousal support for ex-wife, only makes $6,000 a month: report “, Zayda Rivera, July 28, 2014