Being a parent is not easy. Parents in Birmingham are likely well aware of how much it costs to raise a child. It is for that reason why child support is often a necessary part of a divorce or other breakup. However, if child support is not paid at the proper time, an individual may find themselves in trouble with the law.

Former professional football player, Terrell Owens, is reportedly $20,000 behind on child support payments for one of his children. Recently, the child’s mother filed a petition in court asking that he be fined or even jailed if he does not make the necessary payments.

Terrell Owens has four children. He is reportedly responsible to pay $45,000 each month in child support. However, money problems have landed him in trouble more than once.

Owens played in the NFL for 15 seasons. After the Cincinnati Bengals failed to renew his contract, he could not find another team to play for. He is currently playing for the Indoor Football League. He could make up to as much as $500,000 a year with the IFL. Unfortunately, even that amount of money would not cover all of the child support that he is required to pay each year.

Last summer, Owens asked for his child support payments to be lowered. However, a judge denied his request.

In addition to his child support issues, Owens’ two homes in Dallas are currently in foreclosure.

Although it is unclear how the situation will turn out for Owens, this case illustrates the difficulties that parents can encounter when they are dealing with child support. Whether a parent finds they are no longer able to make the necessary payments or a parent is not receiving the necessary payments to raise their child, it is often wise to consult with an experienced attorney.

Source: Yahoo! Sports, “Missing child support could land Terrell Owens in jail,” Maggie Hendricks, Mar. 4, 2012