The father of twins, whose mother went missing in November, has stopped paying child support due to a judge's ruling in his favor. The family has risen in popular news media following the disappearance of the woman after the couple appeared on the television show "The People's Court." The couple argued over a missing $5,000 engagement ring and who was responsible for its cost. The mother disappeared Nov. 17, the day the episode aired.

The father was given custody of the two children following the mother's disappearance, though he is currently the only suspect. He filed paperwork saying that his kids needed the child support that he would otherwise be sending to the mother. He was paying $800 a month and the judge agreed that he should use the money for the children instead of it sitting in an account, unused.

The man's attorney said that during this difficult time, the important thing is to focus on that the children are being cared and provided for. The missing mother's friends and family said that they understand the father's situation and why he made the request, but were bothered by his decision to not show up in court. His attorney said it was obvious. A few of the woman's supporters were holding signs outside the courtroom and feel that the man is withholding information about her disappearance.

While investigators have not released much information to the public, they did share that divers found the woman's cell phone in a local lake. The father has not been charged in her disappearance.

Child support issues like this can develop at any time and it's important to work with an experienced family law attorney who can help you figure out your options and determine if you need to modify the agreement.

Source: Fox 35 News, "Child support payments waived for dad in missing mom case," Shannon Butler, Jan. 19, 2012