Opinion ID: 3064009
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Mitchell’s Child Support Proceedings

Text: Mitchell, a Gulf War Army veteran, suffers from a number of medical conditions, including depression, degenerative disc disease, lung disease and hypertension. In 1991, while still in the Army, Mitchell underwent surgery for sarcoidosis in his lungs, which resulted in his breathing capacity being severely restricted. Shortly afterward, Mitchell was honorably discharged. Mitchell has been on permanent disability VA benefits since 1995. In 2001 Mitchell fathered a child with Annette Robinson. Robinson instituted child support proceedings in state court. Mitchell was ordered to pay child support. Because Mitchell was disabled and unemployed, he struggled to pay the court-ordered child support and often borrowed money from relatives to do so. In 2002 and 2003, Mitchell was twice held in contempt and jailed for failure to pay child support. Between June and August 2004, Mitchell’s financial condition worsened, and he fell behind on his household bills, including his mortgage and utilities bills. Mitchell pawned personal items and borrowed money to pay these 2 bills. In 2005, Mitchell filed a motion to reduce his child support payments. At a July 2005 hearing on the motion, Robinson attempted to introduce into evidence two VA documents that contained personal information about Mitchell, including his social security number and the amount of his VA benefits. When Mitchell objected to this information, the state court refused to consider the documents. The state court denied Mitchell’s motion to reduce, but also denied Robinson’s request for a child support increase. Mitchell testified at his deposition that, after the hearing, he became angry and upset about Robinson’s use of this information in the child support dispute and that this aggravated his depression. At his wife’s urging, Mitchell saw a psychiatrist, who suggested that Mitchell take medication. Mitchell also was evaluated by a psychologist, who prepared a report. The report stated that Mitchell has suffered from depression since leaving the Army in 1991 and that his depression stems from his physical restrictions after lung surgery. The psychologist diagnosed Mitchell with severe depression and panic disorder and recommended weekly psychotherapy. According to Mitchell, he now takes medication and has obtained counseling through the VA.