FLDS Ranch Leader Faces Child Support Demand from Ex-Wife

Carolyn Jessop, the ex-wife of Frederick Merril Jessop, leader of the Fundamentalist LDS Church’s YFZ Ranch, has filed a petition in a Texas court demanding child support for their eight children. The petition seeks financial responsibility from Jessop for expenses including health insurance, private school costs, day care, therapy, attorney’s fees, and other related costs.

In court documents obtained by the Deseret News, Carolyn Jessop’s attorney, Natalie Malonis, stated that the children have been in Carolyn’s possession since the couple ceased living together. Malonis noted that for two of the children, who are over 18, Carolyn is seeking only retroactive child support prior to their reaching the age of majority. For a 9-year-old son with a disability, she is requesting indefinite child support.

Malonis also requested that the court order Jessop to obtain and maintain a life insurance policy payable to Carolyn for the benefit of the children, to be used toward his support obligation in the event of his death.

Interestingly, Malonis previously served as the court-appointed attorney for FLDS leader Warren Jeffs’ daughter Teresa during a contentious custody case involving 439 children from the polygamous sect. She attempted to depose Frederick Merril Jessop to gather information about the FLDS Church’s financial situation as part of that case.

Frederick Merril Jessop is currently facing criminal charges for performing an illegal marriage ceremony by wedding his 12-year-old daughter to Warren Jeffs. He is among a dozen FLDS men charged in this matter. Court hearings are ongoing in Texas, where defense attorneys are seeking to have evidence seized during last year’s raid on the ranch suppressed.

Carolyn Jessop’s custody case is being heard in Salt Lake City’s 3rd District Court, where she secured a paternity judgment in 2005. Frederick Merril Jessop, 72, is involved in legal proceedings that continue to unfold.

Source: Read the original report