What is a "purge" payment ordered by a judge to a parent who is contempt of non-payment of support?

Question

I have been reading about different enforcment actions taken against a non-custodial parent who is not paying child support. I read something about a judge can order a "purge" payment that must be paid by the defendant. If it's paid he can be released from jail if he is order to jail. I wanted to know does that mean that's the only payment he will have to pay or will he still be required to pay the rest of the arrears? He is in arrears of over $10K. Is this something that I can recommend to the judge to order at the contempt hearing? Any advice is appreciated. This whole process is extremely frustrating!
Also, he currently on intermediate punishment plan that is an alternative to prison due to another criminal case, so I wanted to know can a judge still order him to jail even though he currently "serving" another sentence for unrelated charge?

Answer 1

yes he still has to pay the remaining balance even if it takes the rest of his live. yes it is a very frustrating business. my ex also is in arrears but for a lot more. and yes they can still order him to jail even though then he wont be able to pay at all. makes no sense does it?