• 17
  • May
    2011

These days it's almost impossible to read the sports page or listen to the radio in any major U.S. city without coming across some item on the current National Football League (NFL) labor dispute or the looming possibility of a lockout in the National Basketball League (NBA). While the bulk of this reporting undoubtedly has to do with negotiations and/or potential resolutions, what about the more mundane aspects of a prolonged labor dispute, such as its impact on divorce-related obligations like spousal support and child support?

Interestingly, the current NFL labor dispute has many football players scrambling to secure spousal support and/or child support modifications due to concerns over the league - and salaries - shutting down for the season.

"The NFL is an industry, and if the industry is in trouble, the men can't meet their obligations," said Raoul Felder, a prominent New York City divorce attorney. "The only thing to do is file for modification."

NBA players are also likely to start taking the same route as their NFL brethren once their season officially draws to a close and talks of a labor dispute begin to intensify.

In fact, the NBA's players union has already handed out a so-called "lockout survival guide" to its over 400 members, instructing them on how to cut costs (shutting off lights in their homes is recommended) and make ends meet.

Not surprisingly, one page in the guide advises players on how to handle potential spousal support/child support issues.

Finally, it's not only the players whose support obligations could be affected by season-long lockouts. Professional sports agents could feel the pinch as well.

During work stoppages in sports leagues, contracts with players cannot be signed and therefore no commissions can be collected. Consequently, many sports agents are also likely to seek support modifications.

"There will be filings, all right," said agent Keith Glass. "You can bet it's already being done by agents."

Stay tuned for developments from our Denver divorce blog ...

If you would like to learn more about dissolution of marriage, you should strongly consider speaking with an experienced legal professional.

This post is provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Related Resources:

NBA, NFL players' ex-wives likely to feel pinch (The San Francisco Chronicle)