Amidst rumors of domestic violence and alcoholism that led to divorce, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White has been ordered by a judge to resume her spousal support payments, no matter what the couple's personal circumstances are, or have ever been, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, KTVU and others.
As Hayes-White had refused to pay her former husband, R.W., her wages will be garnished at the amount of $3,300 a month to have it done for her.
Hayes-White admitted that she stopped paying the monthly sum after a R.W., in a drunken rage, allegedly grabbed a hold of one of their sons and tried to choke him. The event allegedly occurred approximately 14 months ago.
R.W. pleaded no-contest to child endangerment and cruelty – a misdemeanor – and is currently serving on a county sheriff's work detail and living in a substance abuse rehabilitation home.
While serving his time R.W. went to the San Francisco Superior Court demanding that his spousal support be resumed. The support had been paid to him by Hayes-White since their 2009 divorce.
Hayes-Whites earns $302,000 a year. The money being garnered from her wages do not look as if they include the $40,000 also owed for the months that she had failed to pay.
The couple's troubles first arose in the public eye after a 2005 incident in which R.W. telephoned the police to report that his wife had hit him in their San Francisco home. In a recording taken of the 911 call R.W. said, "My wife has just hit me in the head with a pint glass twice and I'd like to file charges."
Then-Mayor Gavin Newsom supported the fire chief in the 2005 incident by stating, "I continue to have strong support for the chief and I'm confident of the outcome of the review…"
The accusations were denied by Hayes-White and R.W. did not file charges.
The couple separated for some time after that, and then, in 2009, divorced. They shared in the custody of their three children – until Hayes-White obtained a restraining order that would prohibit R.W. from coming into contact with her or their two minor children.
Hayes-White told reporters that the reason she halted all spousal support was due to the costly demands of raising her children. She said, "This is not about being vindictive. Everything just went on pause…" following R.W.'s misdemeanor charge.
Hayes-White also contends that R.W. had failed to pay his half of the money needed for the family's health care and has not made even a "good-faith effort" to seek employment. She added, "I have been shouldering the responsibility for the safety, health and well-being of my kids. I love being chief, but my biggest and best job is being a mom."
If you are headed back to court for another battle with your former spouse over spousal support, child support, visitation or custody, contact a family law attorney for help. The right attorney can assist you establish, or maintain, your parental rights.