In Georgia, "parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending action." O.C.G.A. ยง 9-11-26(b)(1). When the issues are child support, alimony, equitable division and child custody, nearly everything may be considered relevant, especially financial information.
Former New York Rangers player, Ron Greschner, is going through a divorce, and his wife, Lori, is claiming that he is hiding assets because he has failed to turn over requested financial documents. NY Ranger Ron Greschner's ex-wife claims he's hiding cash, by Richard Johnson, September 6, 2016, pagesix.com. She has even had to file a Motion for Contempt against Ron in an effort to get information about his income. According to Lori's attorney, Ron "has a nontraditional way of earning income." Rather than receive a consistent paycheck each month, he earns money making personal appearances and selling autographed memorabilia. In addition, he apparently has some sort of employment with Madison Square Garden, but the details cannot be determined because he has refused to turn over any documentation.
Lori is seeking alimony and child support, both of which need an accurate income from the prospective payor to determine. Accordingly, if this case were in Georgia, Ron would have no choice but to turn over all information necessary to accurately determine his income. It is possible that Ron is reluctant to turn over the documents because his income greatly fluctuates each month and he does not want to be ordered to pay an amount that does not reflect the amount he actually brings in. In that situation, a court will likely look at an entire year, or even several years, and divide out the income to get a monthly average upon child support can be based. It is also possible that Ron is dragging his feet because he just does not want to pay alimony and child support. Either way, he is going to have to turn over the documentation. The only difference will be whether he also has to pay Lori's attorney's fees for forcing her to seek the court's assistance in getting the information.