Orsini v. Orsini

The former husband appeals a contempt order requiring him to pay child support arrearages. He argues the court erred in rejecting his laches defense, and in ordering him to pay arrearages without considering his ability to pay. We affirm the court’s ruling on the laches defense, but reverse the order and remand the case to the trial court to make the requisite finding of the former husband’s ability to pay.

The parties were married in 1982. Three children were born of the marriage. The parties separated in 1995. The children continued to live with their mother. During the four years of…