Rielle Hunter Said to Seek $17,000 a Month From John Edwards in Child Support
Rielle Hunter wants John Edwards to pay $17,910 a month in child support for her daughter, Frances Quinn Hunter, according to the National Enquirer. Private financial negotiations between Hunter and Edwards reportedly broke down last week when her demands for the 22-month-old child were more than the former senator and presidential candidate was willing to pay.
Edwards has never publicly acknowledged that he is the girl’s father, but did admit to an affair with Hunter at a time when his wife Elizabeth Edwards was battling cancer.
Now, legal documents obtained by Radaronline.com appear to show communication between Hunter and her attorney, Frank Louis, preparing to sue Edwards for $214,920 in annual child support.
The documents indicate Hunter is not employed — and do not factor in any income from her — but say she spends $2,100 a month on babysitting and will pay $1,500 a month for private preschool.
It is unclear how Hunter now affords her $11,560 in monthly expenses, but it has been speculated that she is living off a temporary financial agreement with Edwards. The documents also prompt questions as to why Hunter would need a full-time nanny if her child is in preschool and she does not work.
Hunter’s other monthly expenses for herself and daughter – whom the lawyer refers to as “Quinn” — seem extremely high: $600 for clothes, $800 for vacations, $800 on restaurants and $500 for entertainment. What kind of vacations the mother and daughter take that would cost $9,600 a year is not explained.
One also questions how one woman and a toddler can eat at restaurants to the tune of $800 a month, especially in light of the $1,000 a month they spend on groceries at home.
Hunter currently employs a security guard — at a cost of $1,200 a month — an arrangement she intends to keep, the documents indicate.
The documents appear to be preparatory for bringing the dispute before the Superior Court of New Jersey (Hunter resides in the state). The possibility of the matter heading to court comes a week after the Enquirer reported that Edwards was ready to release a statement admitting paternity, but pulled back when financial negotiations with Hunter broke down.
The paper also reported that it had obtained DNA documentation proving that the girl is Edwards’ daughter.
Edwards reportedly bought Hunter a house near his family’s residence in North Carolina, which infuriated his wife, but then refused to let Hunter move in because of the child-support dispute.
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