Al Pacino Ordered to Pay $30,000 a Month in Child Support

Although the couple claims they have not split, 83-year-old actor Al Pacino has been ordered to pay the mother of his child, 29-year-old Noor Alfallah, $30,000 per month in child support. The couple welcomed the child in June of 2023, but rumors swirled about them breaking up in September when Alfallah filed for full physical custody of their son.

The Independent reports Pacino has visitation rights with the child, and Alfallah retains primary custody, with shared legal custody. The couple has decided to work together regarding holidays and both parents have an equal say about schools and extracurricular activities.

Other issues shared by The Independent about their child support and child custody plan include:

• Pacino must pay $110,000 in child support up front and $30,000 monthly in base child support
• Pacino must put $15,000 per year in an education fund for the child
• Pacino must also hand over $90,000 in extra funds at the end of the year (depending on his earnings)
• Pacino must pay $13,000 for a night nurse and is responsible for any medical expenses not covered by insurance

The publication reports it’s not known why Alfallah filed for full physical custody.

Pacino also has three adult children, welcoming his first child back in 1989.

What is the difference between physical and legal custody?

Physical custody in Maryland refers to where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent. It can be either sole physical custody or shared physical custody.

Sole physical custody means that the child lives primarily with one parent. The other parent, or non-custodial parent, may have visitation rights, which are scheduled times when they can spend time with the child.

Shared physical custody means that the child spends a significant amount of time with both parents. This can be done on a variety of schedules, such as alternating weeks or days, or dividing the time equally.

Legal custody in Maryland refers to the right to make major decisions about the child’s life, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing. It can be either sole legal custody or joint legal custody.

Sole legal custody means that one parent has the right to make all major decisions about the child’s life. The other parent does not have any legal input into these decisions.

Joint legal custody means that both parents have the right to make major decisions about the child’s life. They must work together to reach agreements on these decisions.

In Maryland, courts typically prefer to award joint legal custody unless there is a reason to believe that it would not be in the child’s best interests.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between physical and legal child custody in Maryland:

Type of Custody	Definition
Physical custody	Where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent.
Legal custody	The right to make major decisions about the child’s life, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing.
Sole physical custody	The child lives primarily with one parent.
Shared physical custody	The child spends a significant amount of time with both parents.
Sole legal custody	One parent has the right to make all major decisions about the child’s life.
Joint legal custody	Both parents have the right to make major decisions about the child’s life.

 

If you have any questions about child custody in Maryland, you can consult with an experienced Fulton family law attorney like those at McCabe Russell.

Do I have to pay child support if we are still married?

Yes, you are legally obligated to continue supporting your children regardless of your relationship status with your spouse. Both parents, whether married or not, have a legal obligation to support their children.

Even if you and your spouse remain married but live separately and apart, you may still be required to pay child support.

Parents can come to an agreement regarding child custody and support during negotiations of a separation agreement. They can then include the settlement agreement/stipulation provisions in the divorce decree.

Parents must financially support their child until the child turns 21 years old or is emancipated.

Do I have to pay child support if we were never married?

Yes, you may have to pay child support in Maryland even if you were never married to the child’s other parent. Maryland law requires both parents to financially support their children, regardless of their marital status.

To establish child support, the court will consider the following factors:

• The income of both parents
• The number of children being supported
• The cost of health insurance and daycare
• Any other relevant factors, such as the child’s special needs

The court will use these factors to calculate a recommended child support amount. However, the court can order a different amount if it would be in the child’s best interests.

If you are the non-custodial parent, you may be required to pay child support directly to the custodial parent, or you may be required to have your child support payments withheld from your paycheck.

Do I need to go to court to determine child support in Maryland?

You do not need to go to court to determine child support in Maryland, but you may want to if you cannot agree with the other parent on the amount of child support to be paid and you will want the amount of the child support to be in an order.

If you can agree on the amount of child support, you can sign a written agreement called a Consent Order. The Consent Order will be filed with the court and become a legally enforceable court order.

If you cannot agree on the amount of child support, you will need to file a case to preserve your right to child support and any arrearages to the date of your filing.  At the hearing, the judge will review the case and issue a final child support order.

Here are the steps involved in determining child support in Maryland without going to court:

1. Both parents agree on the amount of child support to be paid using the Maryland Child Support Guidelines or otherwise explaining why they do not apply.
2. The parents sign a Consent Order and attach a copy of the Maryland Child Support Guidelines.
3. The Consent Order is filed with the court.
4. The Consent Order becomes a legally enforceable court order.

Here are the steps involved in determining child support in Maryland by going to court:

1. One parent files a case.
2. The parties exchange documentation of their incomes and relevant expenses.
3. The parties appear in court to put on relevant evidence.
4. At the hearing, the judge will review the case and ultimately issue a final child support order.

If you have any questions about child support and child custody, it is important to understand all your rights and responsibilities. Talk to the Fulton family law attorneys at McCabe Russell today – we can help. To speak with an experienced lawyer today, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form. We have offices in Fulton, Columbia, Bethesda, and Rockville, and proudly serve Montgomery and Howard Counties.