FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 9/24/2009) Former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton is being sued by a woman with whom he fathered a child.
The suit was filed on behalf of Claudine Marsh and her son Michael who will turn five Friday.
In 2005, Herenton acknowledged he had a son with Marsh.
Marsh is apparently worried that without the help of the court, her son won't receive any of the money Herenton received when he took a lump sum for his retirement benefits.
Herenton's check totaled $520,000.
Marsh would like to see a trust fund set up for her son and says Herenton will pay a total of $327,000 between now and when the child turns 18.
The petition seeks to freeze Herenton's pension fund assets until a plan can be worked out.
Marsh is also asking Herenton to provide medical insurance for his son.
Marsh says Herenton has spent little to not "parenting time" with his son.
Marsh's attorney, Patricia Woods, held a media conference Thursday, where she said Herenton sees his son about once a month, for a few hours each visit.
According to the petition Herenton's original child support payment was "Based on a stated monthly income of $20,983.25 and standard visitation of 80 days per year."
Because Marsh says Herenton does not participate in the 80 "days of visitiation" the child support payment should be adjusted upward. Her attorney also questions whether Herenton is disclosing his entire income.
"Those of us who have raised kids know that's not parenting. That's like being the fun uncle. What she wants is for Mr. Herenton to be a father to his son," Woods said. "She really has tried for many years to foster a relationship between Mr. Herenton and Michael, a real father-son relationship."
Herenton's attorney says he was surprised to learn the news from the media, and called the news conference "interesting." He says his client will deal with the petition "in the appropriate forum."
- Mother of Herenton's son wants money assured for her son
- Claudine Marsh says she wants to make sure Herenton pays child support
- Marsh says Herenton will pay a total of $327,000 over 18 years
(Memphis 9/24/2009) Former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton is being sued by a woman with whom he fathered a child.
The suit was filed on behalf of Claudine Marsh and her son Michael who will turn five Friday.
In 2005, Herenton acknowledged he had a son with Marsh.
Marsh is apparently worried that without the help of the court, her son won't receive any of the money Herenton received when he took a lump sum for his retirement benefits.
Herenton's check totaled $520,000.
Marsh would like to see a trust fund set up for her son and says Herenton will pay a total of $327,000 between now and when the child turns 18.
The petition seeks to freeze Herenton's pension fund assets until a plan can be worked out.
Marsh is also asking Herenton to provide medical insurance for his son.
Marsh says Herenton has spent little to not "parenting time" with his son.
Marsh's attorney, Patricia Woods, held a media conference Thursday, where she said Herenton sees his son about once a month, for a few hours each visit.
According to the petition Herenton's original child support payment was "Based on a stated monthly income of $20,983.25 and standard visitation of 80 days per year."
Because Marsh says Herenton does not participate in the 80 "days of visitiation" the child support payment should be adjusted upward. Her attorney also questions whether Herenton is disclosing his entire income.
"Those of us who have raised kids know that's not parenting. That's like being the fun uncle. What she wants is for Mr. Herenton to be a father to his son," Woods said. "She really has tried for many years to foster a relationship between Mr. Herenton and Michael, a real father-son relationship."
Herenton's attorney says he was surprised to learn the news from the media, and called the news conference "interesting." He says his client will deal with the petition "in the appropriate forum."
