Judge Reduces Nas’s Support Payments to Kelis

A judge has ruled that Nas’s $51,101 monthly payments to ex-wife Kelis was excessive, cutting the child and spousal support payments to $25,000.

Roughly $40,000 of Nas’s old payment was for spousal support, with the remaining $11,000 as child support for their son, Knight. Arguing his court order was extreme, especially in light of the today’s economy, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge made the estimated $26,000 reduction.

Nas’s new payment of $25,000 is estimated as over 5,000 in child support, and a little below $20,000 in spousal support. 

After splitting in April 2009, Kelis gave birth to Knight in July 2009. For the remainder of that year, the former couple battled in court rooms over support payments. Kelis originally requested a total monthly amount of $80,000, claiming her own income as a recording artist was significantly diminished, and she depended on her ex-husband to maintain her lifestyle.

Los Angeles court judge Louis Meisinger awarded Kelis temporary spousal and child support of $39,498 a month. In addition, the Queensbridge lyricist was required to cover his ex-wife’s legal and forensic accountant fees in the amount of $45,000.

In August 2009, Kelis requested the monthly amount increased to $89,983, broken down as $17,255 in child support, and $72,728 in spousal support.

Nas’s previous $51, 101 payment had been in effect since December 2009.

Nas and Kelis were married from 2005-2009. Their divorce became finalized in April 2010.

At press time, neither party has commented on the ruling.