Jackson Sued for Child-Support Payments

CHICAGO – The mother of the Rev. Jesse Jackson's out-of-wedlock child has filed a lawsuit seeking child-support payments and visitation arrangements.

Karin Stanford filed the lawsuit about two weeks ago in Los Angeles after unsuccessful negotiations with the civil rights leader and his attorneys, said Stanford's spokeswoman Michelle Jordan.

Jackson insists he and Stanford are not at odds.

"The process of resolving the settlement is ongoing. There is no contest," Jackson told the Chicago Tribune.

Though there is no formalized agreement, Jackson previously has said he pays Stanford $3,000 a month in child support.

Jackson's attorney, Willie Gary, said details of a settlement have been worked out with Stanford's attorneys. It requires Jackson to increase payments to $4,000 a month, establish a college fund and take out a life insurance policy for the child.

But Jordan said late Friday, "There is no agreement on the table. The negotiations are ongoing."

Jackson, 59, said in January he is the father of Stanford's child. Stanford, 39, is a former Jackson aide who worked in the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's Washington office, but now lives in Los Angeles with her daughter.

Stanford received $35,000 in relocation and severance fees from Jackson's Citizenship Education Fund, a tax-exempt non-profit organization.

Jordan said Jackson has not seen the toddler since the story broke in January. She said Stanford has been working for an agreement with Jackson for at least one year.

A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for May 9 in Los Angeles Family Court.