Ex-Wife Claims Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh Owes Over $100,000 in Child Support

By Nottage and Ward on August 11, 2011

Recently, Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh was accused by his ex-wife of owing over $100,000 in child support. Walsh also failed to list any child support debt on his financial disclosure forms, on which politicians are required to include any liability over $10,000. As a result, he may also be facing a probe by the House Ethics Committee.

According to The Huffington Post, in December of 2010, Laura Walsh, his ex-wife, filed the claim against him as part of their divorce case, and alleged that he owed $117,437 to her as well as to the couple’s three children. She claims that the Congressman loaned at least $35,000 to his political campaign and went on extensive international vacations but then said he wasn’t able to afford child support payments either due to being out of work or between jobs. His attorney denies that he owes that amount in back child support and interest and insists that the amount owed is much less.

While the Congressman was campaigning last year, his alleged financial difficulties came to light, first when his campaign manager sued for $20,000 in nonpayment after quitting. Additionally, two former staff members accused Walsh of not disclosing traffic citations and a home foreclosure in 2008 to the public. He also reportedly bounced checks.

If you are having difficulty obtaining the child support that is due to you and your children, or if you are involved in other divorce-related difficulties, including child custody and visitation issues, contact the lawyers at Nottage and Ward. Our divorce attorneys in Chicago have exclusively practiced family law for over 20 years, and we are well-prepared to provide the legal assistance you need for whatever you are facing. To find out more about how we can help you, call our law offices at 312-332-2915.