Disputes over child support occur at every income level. No matter how wealthy one or both parents might be, there can be bitter disagreements over the payments that should be made to meet the financial needs of the children they share. Even a billionaire is now facing accusations from his former partner regarding an alleged failure to fulfill his responsibility.
Irina Bolgar was in a relationship with billionaire Telegram CEO Pavel Durov for approximately 10 years. During that time, they had three children together. Now, as Durov faces other serious legal problems, Bolgar claims he cut off child support after she threatened to tell police that he had abused her and their three-year-old son.
For his part, Durov says that he never had an authentic romantic relationship with Bolgar. Rather, she was his yoga instructor who suggested they conceive children together. He claims that he cut off financial support to Bolgar after she made extravagant purchases with credit cards linked to his accounts.
While states such as New York have formulas that provide a guideline child support amount for most situations, high-net-worth families often have to improvise to reach an amount that is fair in light of their circumstances. Children should not have to live a lower quality of life because their parents have broken up. Accordingly, if young people are accustomed to private schools, international travel and expensive extracurricular activities, child support arrangements usually reflect the associated costs. However, someone emerging from a troubled relationship might be reluctant to send payments to their ex for what they view as luxuries even if they have the means to do so.
The Durov-Bolgar conflict also potentially involves an issue that crops up in child support dispute at all income levels. According to Bolgar, Durov stopped sending payments after she mentioned that she was considering going to authorities regarding his mistreatment of her and their child. While it is unclear if this allegation has merit, a parent cannot cut off child support as leverage in a dispute with their ex. Even in cases where the recipient party is violating the custody and visitation terms, child support must still be provided.
Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. represents parents across Long Island in a full range of child support matters, including cases where a party is accused of nonpayment. For a consultation with a knowledgeable New York family lawyer about your circumstances and options, please call 631-388-6009 or contact us online.