Legal Question in Family Law in Tennessee

Pay $2000.00 Purge or Jail Indefinately

My husband(separated)showed up in court for his back child support from previous divorce. We thought they would start garnishing his wages. When he got there the judge said he had to pay a $2000.00 cash Purge or stay in jail indefinately. My question is what is a purge and how does a judge expect any one to come up with that kind of money when they are in jail? Then if they stay in there for a while in leu of no money they then loose their job and place to live...which intern means no support again? Main question is What exactly is a Purge?


Asked on 6/29/99, 12:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: Pay $2000.00 Purge or Jail Indefinately

Your husband apparently was found in contempt of court and has been sent to jail for that contempt. The fact that court uses the term "purge" indicates that the judge believes he is able right now to pay the child support. And if so, a "purge amount" is an amount that the judge wants him to pay in order to "purge" or get rid of the contempt charge.

But you really need to get an attorney there in the county where your case is being heard to advise you.... otherwise your husband could be spend wuite a while in jail.

Read more
Answered on 7/08/99, 3:12 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Tennessee