The Director of the Family Responsibility Office sought a default order and committal term against a support payor who had accumulated $174,043.50 in arrears on a $2,500 monthly spousal support obligation.
The respondent had a history of non-compliance with court orders spanning multiple years, including failed motions to change and constitutional challenges.
The court found the respondent had the ability to pay but deliberately chose not to do so.
The court rejected arguments that Gladue principles applied to support enforcement proceedings and that the matter should be referred to a Justice Circle.
A final default order was issued requiring payment of arrears within 60 days, with a 180-day committal term for default, plus ongoing monthly support obligations with a 5-day committal term per default.
