The saga surrounding Hunter Biden’s child support lawsuit has taken a crucial turn. A judge in Arkansas has ordered Biden to appear in court next month, in person, to answer queries about his income. If Biden fails to cooperate, he faces possible contempt charges that could result in up to six months in prison.
Circuit Judge Holly Meyer recently made this order public, intensifying the legal battle that revolves around the child Biden shares with Lunden Roberts. This lawsuit initially started with Roberts seeking to legally establish Biden as the father of her child. Since then, it has morphed into a dispute over the financial support for their daughter.
As we head toward a trial scheduled for July 24, two major issues are at play. The first one centers on Roberts’ desire to change her daughter’s last name to Biden – a motion that Biden vehemently opposes. The second issue pertains to Biden’s request for a reduction in his monthly child support payments, which currently stand at $20,000. Roberts, however, is staunchly against this reduction. Interestingly, Biden, who has been in the news for selling high-end artwork, claims a shift in his financial circumstances necessitates this reduction.
Judge Meyer’s order was a response to Roberts’ attorney, who argued that Biden had been evasive and non-compliant when it came to sharing information about his income. As per the order, if Biden fails to fully answer the questions related to his income, it could lead to a contempt of court finding and potential sanctions.
Hunter Biden has been put on notice that his ‘ability to pay’ is a crucial element in these proceedings. During the hearing, he will have the chance to respond to inquiries about his financial status. The order also highlights that Biden is subject to the court’s determination of his ability to pay.
If found in contempt, the repercussions could be severe. Potential penalties include up to six months of civil contempt incarceration until Biden satisfactorily answers all income-related questions, a fine coupled with a jail sentence for criminal contempt, and paying Roberts $20,000 to cover attorney’s fees.
The judge also mentioned that if Biden is found in contempt, she might disregard his motions to modify support payments and his opposition to changing his child’s last name to ‘Biden’. This is based on the court’s established power to ignore a party that disobeys its orders.
Earlier this month, during a hearing, Judge Meyer cautioned Biden’s legal team against playing any “cryptic type of ballgame” when it came to disclosing his income. This latest order suggests the judge is adamant that “cryptic or vague answers” will not be tolerated in her courtroom. Thus, the onus is now on Biden to clarify his financial standing or face the court’s wrath.
